Modular Carrier Elements for Laboratory Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory ventilation systems are expensive, complex to install, and require a lower ceiling height due to their large, intrinsically stiff carrier frames, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular ventilation system with center carrier elements mounted above laboratory tables, featuring vertically extending columns with horizontal extension arms for air supply and exhaust conduits, allowing for flexible installation and reduced overhead height, incorporating intrinsically stiff materials for rigidity and adjustable components for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large, intrinsically stiff carrier frame is used to mount ventilation conduits, then structural stability and conduit support are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrier frame into multiple modular carrier elements that can be independently installed and connected. Each carrier element is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the system to achieve overall structural stability through modular assembly rather than requiring a single large complex frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier elements are designed with universal connection capabilities that can accommodate various conduit types and configurations. The standardized interfaces and mounting options allow the same basic carrier element structure to serve multiple functions and adapt to different laboratory layouts, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large, intrinsically stiff carrier frame is used to mount ventilation conduits, then structural stability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular carrier elements can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly installed in sequence to form the complete ventilation structure. This segmentation allows parallel installation activities and reduces on-site assembly time compared to installing a single large frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Carrier elements and their associated conduit supports can be pre-configured and prepared before installation. The standardized connection interfaces allow for preliminary assembly verification, ensuring that when installation occurs, the components fit together immediately without requiring complex on-site adjustments.
3Area of stationary object
If a large carrier frame is mounted on the ceiling above the walking area, then ventilation coverage is improved, but ceiling height and headroom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by suspending carrier elements from the ceiling at optimized heights and arranging conduits in three-dimensional space. This allows the ventilation system to achieve broad coverage area while maintaining adequate ceiling height, as the conduits are distributed vertically rather than requiring a single large horizontal frame structure.
4Area of stationary object
If known ventilation systems are installed, then comprehensive ventilation coverage is achieved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular carrier elements can be manufactured using standardized processes and then assembled in various configurations to achieve different coverage areas. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in manufacturing individual modules while providing flexibility to customize the overall system size and shape to match specific laboratory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized carrier element design with universal connection interfaces allows the same basic component to be used throughout the entire ventilation system regardless of location or specific function. This universality simplifies manufacturing by reducing the variety of unique parts that must be produced, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for ventilating a laboratory is provided wherein a plurality of center carrier elements are in a spaced arrangement above a laboratory table row that defines two walking areas, one on each side of the table row. Each center carrier element comprises a vertical column element fastened on an upper end to the laboratory ceiling and at its lower end having center extension arms extending above the of laboratory table row. On the bottom side, the carrier elements carry a first and second air supply conduit in spaced relationship and delimit a lower receiving space therebetween extending over the length of the laboratory table row to carry supply lines. On the top side, the carrier elements carry an exhaust air conduit or alternatively, a side exhaust air conduit is received on side carrier elements opposite the first or the second air supply conduit.