Method and computer program product for selecting ventilation grill modules to an intake opening of a ventilation system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack a systematic and effective approach for selecting ventilation grill modules for intake openings in large buildings, which complicates the optimization of pressure loss, noise level, and storm-water retention efficiency in ventilation systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer program product that define intake opening dimensions, determine design airflow values, and evaluate potential ventilation grill module assemblies based on performance criteria such as noise level, pressure loss, and face velocity to select optimal modules for full coverage and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple ventilation grill modules are used to cover large intake openings, then the coverage and protection function is improved, but the device complexity and selection difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintake opening coverage areaVSAvoidventilation grill assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation grill assembly is divided into multiple modular grill modules that can be independently selected and combined. Each module has standardized dimensions and mounting flanges, allowing the large intake opening to be covered by assembling multiple smaller modules rather than using a single complex unit. This segmentation simplifies the selection process while achieving full coverage of large areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal selection method that can be applied to any intake opening size by defining dimensions and using standardized module parameters. The same selection algorithm and module types can serve multiple different applications, reducing the need for custom designs and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various opening areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different ventilation grill module combinations are used, then the optimization of pressure loss, noise level and storm-water retention is improved, but the selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific performance parameters for each ventilation grill module type, including pressure loss characteristics, noise levels, and storm-water retention efficiency. By establishing standardized parameter sets for different module configurations, the system enables performance optimization through parameter comparison rather than complex qualitative assessment, simplifying the selection process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of potential grill module assemblies by calculating face velocity and comparing it against maximum allowable values before final selection. This preliminary action filters out unsuitable combinations early in the process, reducing the number of options that require detailed optimization analysis and simplifying the overall selection complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If mounting flanges are added to ventilation grill modules, then the installation and assembly capability is improved, but the effective inflow area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoideffective inflow area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting flanges are positioned only at the edges of each module where connection is needed, rather than covering the entire perimeter. This local placement provides adequate assembly capability while minimizing the reduction of effective inflow area. The flange width and positioning are optimized to achieve the necessary mechanical connection with minimal impact on airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that mounting flanges necessarily reduce the effective inflow area to some extent, but uses sufficient numbers of modules to compensate for this loss and achieve the required total airflow capacity. The selection method accounts for the flange-induced area reduction by selecting enough modules to meet the design airflow requirements, effectively balancing the trade-off between assembly capability and inflow area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4160106A1Method and computer program product for selecting ventilation grill modules to an intake opening of a ventilation system
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 CLIMECON
  • EP4160106A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4160106A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4160106A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The method for selecting ventilation grill modules to an intake opening of a ventilation system comprises steps of defining dimensions of said intake opening (10), determining a design air flow value through said intake opening, choosing a group of potential ventilation grill modules and selecting the ventilation grill modules to said intake opening. The method further comprises steps of determining at least one first potential grill module assembly to said intake opening including a first number of first grill modules (1), defining first dimensions of said first ventilation grill modules, evaluating performance of each potential ventilation grill module having first dimensions and selecting the ventilation grill modules to said intake opening based on said evaluation. The computer program product for selecting ventilation grill modules comprises code means configured to perform the steps of the method, when the program is executed in a computer.