Humidifier with removable locator module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humidifiers within HVAC units are inefficient and difficult to inspect, with nozzles being prone to clogging or producing droplets that fall out of the airstream due to size issues, requiring cumbersome and time-consuming tasks for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A water vapor filtration and delivery system with a locator module that includes a base plate, a removably attached locator plate, a flexible hose, and a rigid pipe with a nozzle, allowing for easy positioning and inspection of the nozzle within the plenum without tools, using high-pressure filtered water to disperse vapor into the airstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is made larger to prevent clogging, then the reliability of the nozzle is improved, but the droplets become too heavy to be suspended in the airstream, reducing the humidification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of water by filtering it to remove particles larger than 50 nanometers before it reaches the nozzle. This parameter change in water purity allows the use of smaller nozzle orifices without clogging, as the filtered water contains no particles large enough to block the refined openings while still producing suspendable droplets
2Productivity
If the nozzle is made smaller to improve humidification efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but particles in the water clog the nozzle, reducing the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by filtering the water before it reaches the nozzle to remove all particles larger than 50 nanometers. This pre-filtering action prevents clogging before it can occur, allowing the system to use smaller, more efficient nozzle orifices without the risk of particle blockage
3Reliability
If the nozzle is fixed permanently in the plenum, then the reliability of the installation is improved, but the ease of inspection and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle assembly into separate components: a removable locator plate that holds the nozzle and a flexible hose connection, separated from the permanent base plate attached to the plenum. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be permanently positioned for stability while enabling easy removal for inspection by simply detaching the flexible hose and locator plate
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and knowledge are required for nozzle maintenance, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service maintenance by designing the locator plate with hand-tightening features that allow users to install and maintain the nozzle without specialized tools or knowledge. The simple mechanical design with hand-tightening capability empowers end-users to perform maintenance themselves while maintaining precise installation
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
Enables efficient humidification by ensuring small droplets are suspended in the airstream, reducing clogging risks and simplifying nozzle inspection and maintenance, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the humidification process.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration unit connected to the water inlet that removes all contaminants larger than 50 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
a pump for pumping an amount of water from the water inlet
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle having an outlet orifice for distributing the filtered water vapor into a stream of air
Data Source
AI summary
A water vapor filtration and delivery system having a water inlet coupled to a source of water, a pump for pumping an amount of water from the water inlet, a filtration unit connected to the water inlet that removes all contaminants larger than 50 nanometers, and a nozzle having an outlet orifice for distributing the filtered water vapor into a stream of air. The water vapor filtration and delivery system includes a locator module coupled to a plenum or a wall of an air duct and having a base plate attached to the plenum, a locator plate removably attached to the base plate, and at least one hand bolt. There is a flexible hose between the filtration unit and the locator module configured to transfer water from the filtration unit to the locator module and a rigid pipe between the locator plate and the nozzle.