Modular Drum Valve Window Ventilation for Temperature-Responsive Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for buildings with double-glazed windows are complex, expensive, and difficult to operate efficiently, lacking flexibility and reactivity to temperature fluctuations, which hampers effective air circulation and energy management.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve system comprising interchangeable preheating and bypass units with rotatable throttles and thermal actuators, allowing for flexible configuration and operation, enabling precise control of air flow based on temperature and environmental conditions, and allowing for manual override when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shutters or sliding doors are used for ventilation control, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the operation is not optimal and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (shutters and sliding doors) with an automated valve system driven by thermal actuators that respond to temperature changes. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while providing precise, reactive control based on actual thermal conditions between the panes of glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to operate autonomously by using thermal actuators that automatically respond to temperature fluctuations between the panes of glass. The system self-regulates ventilation based on thermal conditions without requiring external control or manual intervention, optimizing operation while maintaining simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If complex cartridge systems with multiple actuators are used, then ventilation control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for precise temperature response - a single thermal actuator directly coupled to a valve - eliminating the unnecessary complexity of multiple actuators, chambers, and slide throttles found in conventional systems. This extraction maintains precision while dramatically simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple actuators to control multiple separate components, the patent inverts the approach by using a single thermal actuator to directly control a single valve that manages the entire ventilation flow. This inversion achieves the same precision with far fewer components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high window frames with multiple units are used, then ventilation control capability is improved, but the window area is reduced and light entry is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal valve system that can be integrated into standard window frames without requiring special high frames. The single-valve design performs multiple functions (controlling ventilation flow, responding to temperature changes) within a compact form factor that preserves maximum window area and light transmission while maintaining full ventilation control capability.
4Volume of moving object
If valves with narrow passages are used, then the device size is reduced, but the flow capacity is limited and requires forced circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a valve with a passage that dynamically adjusts its effective cross-sectional area based on the valve opening position. When fully open, the passage provides large flow capacity without requiring forced circulation. The compact valve size is maintained through efficient geometric design of the passage, allowing it to expand flow capacity when needed while remaining compact in closed or partially open positions.
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 system provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly adjustable ventilation solution that optimizes air circulation and energy management by allowing for flexible configuration and precise control of air flow, enhancing both heating and cooling efficiency while minimizing the need for complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal actuator... arranged to sense the temperature in the air space and to govern the first rotating throttle in the preheating unit in response to the temperature in the air space
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a ventilation device for ventilating a room in a building, said building comprising a window with at least two essentially parallel panes of glass, said at least two panes of glass being arranged in a common frame, casement or sash, thus forming said window, e.g. a double window, where said at least two panes of glass are arranged with a distance, and thus appear with an air space between said panes of glass, said window further comprising an intake opening communicating with said air space and with either the interior or the exterior of said building, where said ventilation device further comprises a preheating unit, comprising a first chassis and a first throttle, where said first chassis comprises a first opening communicating with the interior of said building, a second opening communicating with the exterior of said building and a third opening communicating with said air space.