Flexible Air Duct Liners for Zone-Specific 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 frequently due to factors like animal species, age, temperature, humidity, and airborne contaminants, leading to inadequate or excessive ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible air duct system with an internal adjustable liner and external airflow deflector, allowing for independent control of air volume and velocity through rotating or flipping the duct and adjusting the liner's position and permeability, along with sensor-activated automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed air duct system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the ventilation cannot be adjusted to match varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the internal liner movable within the duct, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations along the duct length. This enables the ventilation system to dynamically adjust air release characteristics in response to varying environmental conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptable one without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the duct system into functional segments: the outer duct structure and the internal movable liner. This segmentation allows the liner to be independently positioned and adjusted within the duct, enabling localized control of ventilation characteristics while maintaining the integrity of the overall duct structure
2Reliability
If ventilation is increased to meet peak demand, then adequate ventilation is provided during high-demand periods, but excessive ventilation occurs during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The movable liner enables dynamic adjustment of ventilation output by repositioning the liner to different locations along the duct. When peak ventilation is needed, the liner is positioned to maximize air release; during low-demand periods, the liner is repositioned to reduce air release, preventing energy waste from excessive ventilation while ensuring reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical position parameter of the internal liner along the duct length to control ventilation characteristics. By adjusting the liner's position, the system modifies air flow parameters such as release rate and distribution pattern, enabling adaptation to varying environmental demands without energy waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single duct system is used, then the installation is simpler and cost-effective, but the system cannot independently control ventilation for different sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ventilation control function by allowing the internal liner to be independently positioned at different locations within the duct. This enables different sections of the facility to receive independently controlled ventilation, transforming a single-duct system into one with zone-specific control capabilities while maintaining structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An air control system 20 and associated methods including a flexible duct 30 having air exit holes 40, 42 and a flexible liner 50, 60 sheet within the duct 30 and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner 50 sheet having opposite longitudinal edges 52, 54 connected to the duct 30 along the longitudinal length of the duct 30, the liner 50 sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes 40, 42 when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes, and an air deflector positioned externally the duct to modify airflow exiting the duct. The duct 30 may also have multiple liner sheets 50, 60 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.