Flexible Air Duct Liner for Adjustable Ventilation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air duct systems are inefficient for varying environmental conditions, particularly in agricultural settings, where ventilation requirements change due to factors like livestock species, age, temperature, humidity, and bacterial concentration, leading to inadequate or excessive ventilation if not adjusted properly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible air duct system with an internal adjustable liner and exit holes, allowing for independent control of air volume and velocity through the use of permeable or impermeable liner sections that can be manually or automatically adjusted, and the ability to rotate the duct to change airflow direction, accommodating different ventilation needs across a facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air duct system is used without adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but ventilation effectiveness deteriorates under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the duct system adjustable rather than fixed. The duct can be rotated to different orientations (upward, downward, sideways) and the internal liner can be adjusted to control airflow volume and velocity. This dynamic adjustability allows a single duct system to adapt to varying ventilation requirements throughout the day and across different seasons, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single duct system that can perform multiple ventilation functions. By combining rotation capability with adjustable liner mechanisms, one duct can provide both cooling and heating ventilation, adjust airflow patterns for different livestock types, and respond to changing environmental conditions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated duct systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of ventilation is implemented, then adaptability to environmental conditions improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static to dynamic control by enabling automatic adjustment mechanisms. Sensors can detect environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) and automatically adjust the duct orientation and liner position, maintaining optimal ventilation without requiring manual intervention while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions and provide input to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic real-time adjustment of ventilation parameters based on actual environmental conditions, improving both ease of operation and adaptability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If multiple duct systems are installed to accommodate various ventilation needs, then ventilation effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single multi-functional duct system that can replace multiple specialized ducts. The adjustable orientation and liner capabilities enable one duct to perform the functions of what would traditionally require separate ducts for different ventilation scenarios, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple ventilation functions into a single integrated duct system. By combining rotation capability, adjustable liner mechanisms, and environmental sensing into one unit, the patent consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate duct systems, thereby reducing complexity while preserving ventilation effectiveness.
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 system provides precise control over air flow, improving livestock comfort, reducing fly nuisance, and enhancing health and production outcomes while reducing costs through efficient use of a single duct system that can adapt to various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an internal membrane or liner or baffle which is permeable. The liner may be porous or perforated such that part of the liner restricts flow of air though exit holes while also allowing some air, albeit reduced, to flow through the exit holes
Implementation Method 2
The liner may be porous or perforated such that part of the liner restricts flow of air though exit holes while also allowing some air, albeit reduced, to flow through the exit holes
Data Source
AI summary
An air control system and associated methods including a flexible duct having air exit holes and a flexible liner sheet within the duct and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner sheet having opposite longitudinal edges connected to the duct along the longitudinal length of the duct, the liner sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes. The duct may also have multiple liner sheets arranged end-to-end and/or layered in various duct segments such that the different liners may be independently controlled to regulate the outflow of air from the duct as desired. The duct having a liner which closes or inhibits air flow from the exit holes may also be rotated to accommodate use of a single duct for different seasons and where the internal liner adjusts to assist with the downward control of air flow based on alignment of various perforations with the different exits holes.