Flat Air Outlet Layout for Draft-Free Ceiling Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air outlets struggle to introduce air from greater heights in a draft-free and even manner, particularly when used in conjunction with cooling ceiling systems, as they often create drafts and uneven air distribution.

Innovation Solution

The air outlet features openings with different jet directions in one plane, equipped with hemispherical air distributors that reduce air acceleration, allowing for a flat design and adjustable outlet openings to ensure draft-free air distribution, with the air distributor being a separate component that can be manufactured from plastic using injection molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air outlets use conventional designs with openings for air distribution, then air can be introduced into the room, but drafts and uneven air distribution occur when used at greater heights with cooling ceiling systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraft-free air distributionVSAvoideven air distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is divided into multiple independent opening groups (first, second, third, and fourth opening groups) with different jet directions. Each group contains multiple openings that distribute air in specific directions, segmenting the overall air distribution function to achieve more uniform and draft-free air introduction into the room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different opening groups are assigned different jet directions tailored to specific distribution needs. The first and second opening groups direct air in one direction while the third and fourth groups direct air in another direction, creating locally optimized air flow patterns that collectively achieve even distribution without drafts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If air outlets are designed with complex structures to achieve 360° air distribution, then air can be distributed in all directions, but the housing height increases making it unsuitable for use between ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution coverageVSAvoidhousing height
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of distributing air in three dimensions vertically, all jet directions are arranged within a single horizontal plane. This dimensional transformation allows comprehensive air distribution coverage while keeping the housing height minimal, making it suitable for installation between ceilings where vertical space is limited.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The air distribution function is segmented into multiple opening groups with different jet directions within the same plane. This segmentation achieves comprehensive directional coverage (effectively 360° distribution) while maintaining a flat housing structure with limited height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If air outlets use large opening widths to increase air volume, then more air can be supplied, but air acceleration increases creating drafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair volumeVSAvoidair exit speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The total air volume requirement is distributed across multiple opening groups with different jet directions. Each group handles a portion of the total air flow, allowing large overall air volume supply while each individual opening maintains controlled dimensions that prevent excessive air acceleration and draft creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enables the air outlet to provide a high volume of air evenly and quietly, reducing drafts and enhancing cooling efficiency without compromising comfort, even at low temperatures, while maintaining a compact profile suitable for use between ceilings.

Implementation Method 1

The air distributor is hemispherical, with outlet openings for the air located in a hemispherical shell formed thereby. The size of the outlet openings is chosen so that the air is not accelerated significantly as it exits, so that it escapes in a high volume but not at too high a speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through hemispherical distributor:

Implementation Method 2

the air distributor is a separate component which can be manufactured as a whole from plastic using an injection molding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentEP4040066A1Air outlet
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 SCHAKO KG
  • EP4040066A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4040066A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4040066A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an air outlet for introducing air into a space of openings (5) in a housing (1) which has a connection (6) to an air guidance system, wherein the openings (5) have different jet directions (8) which lie in one plane, and in which an air distributor (9) is provided in each of the jet directions (8) of the openings.