Manufacturing fixtures including an integrated diffuser for diffusing conditioned air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial workspaces face challenges in effectively replacing hot, contaminated air with conditioned air without mixing it with the ambient air, due to the cumbersome nature of conventional conditioning systems and limited space for installation, especially in areas like welding zones where heat and fumes are generated.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing fixture with an integrated diffuser system that uses a vertical displacement ventilation system, featuring an elevated platform and a diffuser deck with louver plates arranged in a vertical stack, directing conditioned air through laminar flow to displace contaminated air vertically towards the roof, minimizing mixing and recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional conditioning systems are implemented in industrial workspaces, then air conditioning function is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to incorporate into the workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is integrated directly into the manufacturing fixture structure, combining the air distribution function with the existing fixture. This eliminates the need for separate conditioning system components and simplifies incorporation into the workspace by utilizing the fixture as the air distribution medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing fixture serves dual purposes: it supports the industrial operation equipment and simultaneously functions as an air diffuser for conditioning the workspace. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated air distribution infrastructure.
2Reliability
If robust components are used to withstand industrial impacts, then reliability is improved, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air diffuser components are integrated into the existing manufacturing fixture structure, which is already designed to withstand industrial impacts. This eliminates the need for separate robust protective components and reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser elements are nested within the existing fixture structure, utilizing the available space in the fixture design. This nesting approach allows the air distribution function to be embedded without adding external components that would increase the footprint.
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
The system efficiently displaces contaminated air with conditioned air, maintaining a stratified separation between the two, reducing turbulence and footprint, while being robust enough to withstand industrial hazards, thus improving air quality and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The conditioned air stream is introduced at a velocity less than 150 feet per minute at a distance of 12 inches away from the diffuser by laminar flow into the ambient air containing fumes
Implementation Method 2
The conditioned air stream is introduced... by laminar flow into the ambient air containing fumes. Ambient air containing fumes is displaced by the laminar conditioned air flow such that the ambient air containing fumes is displaced in a vertical direction towards the roof
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing fixture having an integrated diffuser for diffusing conditioned air into an industrial workspace is disclosed. The fixture includes an elevated platform having an air inlet and a diffuser deck mounted below the platform and disposed below the air inlet. The diffuser deck includes a set of louver plates arranged in a vertical stack. Each of the louver plates of the set has a top surface and an opening wherein the opening of each subsequent louver plate below the uppermost louver plate has an area less than the area of the louver plate directly above. The top surface of each louver plate is angled downward from the opening.