Modular Air Curtain Element With Adjustable Airflow Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air curtain barriers are inflexible, complex to install and maintain, and costly, with modular elements requiring disassembly for maintenance and having high labor costs, limiting their adjustability and adaptability to different climate conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular element for air curtain barriers featuring a tubular supporting frame with lateral openings and channelling walls that allow for adjustable air flow direction and ejection, enabling independent orientation of each modular element to counteract incoming air currents, with coupling portions for various operative positions and a simplified structure for easier installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular elements are used in air curtain barriers, then adjustability and adaptability to different climate conditions are improved, but device complexity and installation/maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain barrier is divided into multiple independent modular elements, each capable of being adjusted individually. Each module contains a flow generating device and channelling walls that can be independently oriented, allowing the system to adapt to different climate conditions and entrance configurations without requiring complex integrated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular elements are designed with coupling portions that enable them to be placed in various operative positions and orientations. The channelling walls can be rotated to different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the module's longitudinal axis, providing dynamic adjustability while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
2Ease of operation
If modular elements with flow generating devices are used, then air flow control is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air curtain barrier into modular elements with standardized coupling portions, the system becomes easier to manufacture through mass production of identical modules. Installation is simplified because modules can be assembled in series like LEGO blocks, reducing the need for custom fabrication and complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions are designed with universal engagement features that allow any module to connect to any other module in various configurations. This universality enables a single standardized module design to serve multiple functions and positions, simplifying both manufacturing (standardized parts) and installation (flexible assembly).
3Reliability
If entire system must be shut down for maintenance of one component, then reliability is improved, but productivity and maintenance costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain barrier is segmented into independent modular elements that can be maintained separately. If one module requires maintenance or replacement, only that specific module needs to be accessed and serviced while the other modules continue to operate, thereby maintaining system reliability without requiring complete system shutdown and improving maintenance productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow generating devices are extracted as independent components within each modular element, allowing them to be removed, replaced, or maintained separately from the rest of the system. This extraction enables targeted maintenance of individual components without affecting the overall system operation.
4Loss of energy
If complex patterns of air currents are created when entrance is opened, then thermal insulation is improved, but comfort of persons crossing the barrier worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The modular elements provide dynamic control over air flow direction through adjustable channelling walls. The system can be configured to create thermal insulation barriers while directing high-velocity flows away from pedestrian pathways, thereby maintaining energy efficiency without compromising the comfort of persons crossing the entrance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different modules can be configured with different channelling wall orientations to create localized air flow patterns. Areas requiring strong thermal insulation can have modules oriented for maximum barrier effect, while areas near pedestrian crossings can have modules oriented to redirect flows, creating locally optimized conditions for both insulation and comfort.
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 modular element enhances adjustability and adaptability, reducing discomfort and maintenance costs while allowing for better thermal insulation and climate adaptation, with improved air flow management and reduced complexity in installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ventilating device (12) configured to generate an air flow destined for the housing compartment (5) of the frame itself and passing through at least one of said first and second longitudinal openings (6, 7)
Implementation Method 2
the channel (9) having at least a first and a second longitudinal channelling wall (10, 11) extending prevalently, or completely, inside the housing compartment (5) along the prevalent direction (D) of extension of the frame (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4b
AI summary
A modular element (1) for dynamic air curtain barriers (2), said modular element (1) comprising: a supporting frame (3) having a lateral wall (4) internally defining a housing compartment (5) and comprising a lateral through opening (8) substantially extending along a prevalent direction (D) of extension of the frame itself, a channel (9) engaged with the supporting frame (3) and configured to receive an air flow from the ventilating device (12) and channel it along a direction (S) of ejection out of said housing compartment (5) through the lateral opening (8). The channel (9) having a first and a second longitudinal channelling wall (10, 11) extending prevalently inside the housing compartment (5) along the prevalent direction (D) of extension of the frame (3); each channelling wall (10, 11) has an inlet portion (10a, 11a) located inside the housing compartment (5) and an outlet portion (10b, 11 b) located outside the housing compartment (5). The inlet portions (10a, 11 a) of the channelling walls (10, 11) define a lateral inlet opening (15), whilst the respective outlet portions (10b, 11b) of the channelling walls (10, 11) define an outlet opening (25) configured to direct the air flow along an ejection direction (S); the channelling walls (10, 11) define, in cooperation with each other, a duct (22) for the air flow extending between the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (25).