Make-Up Air Intake Assembly for Negative Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tightly sealed construction structures can generate negative air pressure, leading to unintended and unsafe air intake, despite energy efficiency gains.
Innovation Solution
A make-up air intake system comprising a switch assembly and air intake assembly, where the switch assembly is mounted to a duct collar and actuated by air flow from an exhaust system, signaling the air intake assembly to open a damper and introduce fresh air into the structure to counteract negative pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the structure is tightly sealed to improve energy efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but negative air pressure is generated inside the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by installing a make-up air intake system that proactively introduces fresh air into the structure before negative pressure can cause harmful effects. The switch assembly detects negative pressure conditions and activates the air intake assembly in advance to counteract the pressure imbalance, preventing unintended air infiltration while maintaining the sealed structure's energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a controlled make-up air intake system as a mediator between the sealed structure and the external environment. This intermediary system regulates air flow through the switch assembly and air intake assembly, allowing controlled air intake to balance pressure without compromising the overall sealed structure or energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the structure is tightly sealed to improve energy efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but unintended air intake occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the switch assembly that continuously monitors air pressure conditions inside the sealed structure. When negative pressure is detected, the switch assembly activates the air intake assembly to introduce make-up air, and when pressure is balanced, it shuts off the intake. This feedback mechanism ensures controlled air intake only when necessary, maintaining energy efficiency while preventing harmful unintended air infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The make-up air intake system serves as an intermediary controlled pathway that replaces uncontrolled unintended air intake. The switch assembly and air intake assembly work together to provide regulated air flow, acting as a mediator that allows necessary air exchange while maintaining the sealed structure's integrity and energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If exhaust system operates to remove air, then ventilation is improved, but negative air pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exhaust system's air removal function with the make-up air intake system's air addition function. The switch assembly coordinates both systems to operate simultaneously, allowing the exhaust system to maintain high ventilation productivity while the air intake assembly compensates for the removed air, balancing pressure and preventing harmful negative pressure effects.
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
Effectively eliminates or reduces negative air pressure within structures by introducing fresh air, ensuring safe and controlled ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
the switch assembly is configured to be mounted to a duct collar and actuated by air flow from an exhaust system
Implementation Method 2
introducing fresh air into the structure in order to eliminate or reduce the negative air pressure generated by a residential exhaust system
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment make-up air system includes a switch assembly including a housing configured to be mounted to an exhaust air duct, a rod pivotally mounted to the housing, the rod having a paddle mounted on a first rod end disposed outside the housing, the paddle including an angled portion, and a switch disposed in the housing, the switch actuated by the rod when the paddle experiences a predetermined flow of air through the exhaust duct, and a fresh air intake assembly operably coupled to the switch assembly, the fresh air intake assembly configured to open a damper disposed in a fresh air intake duct to initiate a flow of fresh air when the switch in the switch assembly has been actuated.