Modular Shutter System for Poultry House Ventilation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ventilation systems in poultry houses face challenges with insulation in winter, as drop-curtains offer little insulation value and internal tunnel doors warp and leak due to negative static pressure, increasing heating costs.

Innovation Solution

An automated and insulated modular shutter system that uses modular shutter units with beveled edges and seals, combined with a rack and pinion motion system for automatic operation, to provide efficient and airtight closure, enhancing insulation and reducing energy costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drop-curtains are used for ventilation control, then the system is simple to operate, but insulation value is insufficient in winter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation control operationVSAvoidheating energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is divided into multiple modular shutter units that can be independently controlled. Each module contains insulating material and can be positioned to provide both ventilation and insulation, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and thermal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter system combines insulating material with the shutter structure itself, creating a composite component that provides both airflow control and thermal insulation functions in a single element, thereby reducing heating energy loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If internal tunnel doors are used to control airflow, then insulation value is improved, but the doors warp and leak due to negative static pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating energy lossVSAvoiddoor sealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is divided into multiple modular shutter units that can be independently controlled. Each module contains insulating material and can be positioned to provide both ventilation and insulation, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and thermal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using internal doors that battle against negative pressure, the system uses externally mounted shutters that are pushed closed by the same negative pressure, inverting the force direction to improve reliability and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If large tunnel doors are used on the inside of the house, then insulation value is increased, but the doors must be held shut against constant negative static pressure causing warping and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating energy lossVSAvoiddoor structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is divided into multiple modular shutter units that can be independently controlled. Each module contains insulating material and can be positioned to provide both ventilation and insulation, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and thermal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using internal doors that battle against negative pressure, the system uses externally mounted shutters that are pushed closed by the same negative pressure, inverting the force direction to improve reliability and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 shutter system ensures airtight closure, increases insulation value, and reduces heating costs by maintaining internal temperature, while automatic operation synchronizes shutter movement for efficient ventilation and temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

The disclosed invention relates to an automated and insulated modular shutter system for tunnel ventilation in poultry houses, the system being self-sealed by the poultry house's internal negative static pressure.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative static pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8375634B2Modular shutter system for poultry house ventilation and insulation

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a modular assembly device for providing adequate and efficient ventilation, temperature control, and insulation in poultry houses. The disclosed invention relates to an automated or manually-operated modular shutter system for tunnel ventilation in poultry houses, the system being self-sealed by the poultry house's internal negative static pressure. All the shutters in a modular shutter unit are designed to open and close in unison by means of specially-designed hinges and hinge spacers. In the preferred embodiment, there are four shutters per modular shutter unit, all of the same construction and dimensions. The shutters are designed with beveled horizontal edges and end cap seals, which together provide an efficient and practically airtight fit against each other when closed. The shutters are also of sufficient thickness to accommodate internal insulation if necessary to raise the insulation values needed for the poultry houses in cold winter months.