Inlet air flow modulation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems waste energy due to constant power supply to ventilation motors even when air intake ducts are closed, leading to non-optimal functioning in installations with controlled mechanical ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A device that modulates air entry into a room based on humidity and manual control, communicating its state to adapt ventilation power, using a hygrosensitive means, manual activation, and autonomous power supply, with a radiofrequency transmitter to inform a control unit adjusting the ventilation motor's power accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ventilation motor operates at full power continuously, then the ventilation system provides consistent air flow, but energy is wasted when air intake ducts are closed
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation motor's power is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the motor power based on real-time feedback from the air intake modulation device, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to the actual ventilation needs of the space.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the air intake modulation device communicates its state (open/closed position) to the control unit, which then adjusts the ventilation motor power accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures energy efficiency by matching motor output to actual ventilation requirements.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If air intake ducts are closed to prevent heat loss, then energy savings are achieved, but the ventilation motor continues to operate at full power causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from the air intake modulation device about the duct position and automatically adjusts the ventilation motor power to match the actual air intake conditions, preventing energy waste when ducts are closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system becomes self-regulating by using information from its own air intake modulation devices to control motor power, eliminating the need for external monitoring or manual adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If a position-controlled damper is used to modulate air intake, then ventilation control is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position control systems with a simpler electronic communication approach. The air intake modulation device transmits its state information electronically to the control unit, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and position feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic communication interface acts as an intermediary between the air intake modulation device and the ventilation motor control, simplifying the connection and information transfer while reducing overall system complexity.
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
Optimizes ventilation system operation by reducing motor power when air ducts are partially or fully closed, leading to energy savings and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes, in particular, a hygrosensitive fabric whose fibers elongate in the presence of humidity and contract when the air is dry.
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency transmitter, capable of transmitting a signal on a home automation network
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Device (1, 1') for varying the inflow of air into a dwelling, capable of being installed through a window, door or wall element of the dwelling, comprising a sensitive means (12) acting mechanically via a mechanical transmission (11) on a means (9) for controlling the opening cross section (10) of an air duct (6) placed between the outside and the inside of the dwelling. Integrated home system (100) comprising a controlled mechanical ventilation unit (40) that includes a variable-power ventilation motor (43) and a control unit (42) capable of adapting the power of the motor according to information received from such a device. Method of operating such an integrated home system.