Air guiding device and method for ventilating buildings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems lack the ability for simple retrofitting and individual control of air quality and flow, with complex structures preventing installation in existing systems and continuous measurement of air quality when valves are closed.

Innovation Solution

An air guidance device with a self-configuring system bus and autonomous valve units that can be easily installed in existing systems, featuring sensors for continuous measurement of air parameters even when valves are closed, and a control unit that adjusts valve operations based on measured data, allowing for individual room control and optimal ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If valve units are used to control air flow in existing ventilation systems, then individual room control is enabled, but the complex structure prevents installation in existing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual room controlVSAvoidvalve unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation system is divided into independent valve units, each controlling a specific room or air flow path. Each valve unit contains its own sensor and control logic, allowing modular installation in existing systems without requiring complete system replacement. This segmentation enables individual room control while maintaining compatibility with legacy infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If valves are closed to control air flow, then individual room ventilation is regulated, but continuous measurement of air quality becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow regulationVSAvoidcontinuous air quality measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A bypass channel is introduced as an intermediary path that allows a portion of air to flow around the closed valve. Sensors are positioned in this bypass channel to continuously measure air quality parameters (CO2, humidity, temperature) even when the main valve is closed for flow control. This intermediary path ensures uninterrupted monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely blocking air flow when the valve closes, the system allows partial flow through the bypass channel. This excessive action (providing more flow path than strictly necessary for measurement) ensures that sufficient air reaches the sensors for accurate continuous measurement while still achieving the primary flow control objective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment is required for different room volumes, then flow control is achieved, but installation requires professional operator intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow controlVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each valve unit is equipped with integrated sensors and automatic control logic that enable self-adjustment based on measured air quality parameters and room characteristics. The system performs self-calibration and automatic flow optimization without requiring manual intervention from professional operators during installation or operation, significantly simplifying the deployment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If individual control of room air is implemented, then ventilation optimization is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation optimizationVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent valve units, each with its own sensor suite and control logic. This distribution of intelligence across multiple independent modules enables individual room optimization without requiring a complex centralized control system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining advanced ventilation optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3812661B1Air guiding device and method for ventilating buildings
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 CLIMEO AG
  • EP3812661B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812661B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812661B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an air distribution device (25) and a method for building ventilation in residential, office, and commercial spaces. Equipment is installed in buildings for ventilation, cleaning, and analysis of the airflow in these spaces. Air distribution devices (25) are used to ventilate individual rooms of varying volumes within the buildings. The air distribution device (25) comprises a valve unit (1) which has a modular design and is assigned to at least one room. The airflow in each room can be analyzed and controlled by means of at least one sensor (42) and a control unit (2) located in the valve unit (1) based on a parameter of the exhaust or supply air. Analysis is also possible when the valve unit (1) is closed.