Network-Controlled Ceiling Outlet for Individual Office Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems in office settings fail to provide individualized temperature control, leading to discomfort for employees with differing temperature preferences, as existing solutions like underfloor air distribution and custom desks with built-in cooling are either aesthetically challenged, costly, or impractical for rearrangement.
Innovation Solution
A cooling and ventilation outlet system featuring a self-contained, movable inner body with electronic and mechanical components that connects to an HVAC duct, allowing users to control air volume and direction via a network-connected interface, enabling individualized airflow adjustments through a directable nozzle and adjustable damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If underfloor air distribution is used, then individual temperature control is provided, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and furniture arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the air diffuser from the floor and relocates it to the ceiling, eliminating the aesthetic and furniture arrangement problems associated with floor-mounted diffusers while maintaining individual temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution system transitions from horizontal floor-level distribution to vertical ceiling-level distribution, changing the spatial dimension of air delivery to achieve both aesthetic improvement and functional effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If custom desks with built-in cooling devices are implemented, then individual temperature control is achieved, but cost increases and rearrangement becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the air control function from fixed furniture and integrates it into modular ceiling-mounted units, allowing independent adjustment at each workstation without requiring custom-built desks
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling-mounted outlets serve multiple workstations and can be reconfigured for different desk arrangements, providing universal temperature control that adapts to various office layouts without requiring custom furniture
3Device complexity
If centralized HVAC control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but individual thermal comfort requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static centralized control to dynamic individual control, where each ceiling-mounted outlet can independently adjust airflow parameters based on local thermal requirements while maintaining connection to the central HVAC system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality control by enabling each ceiling-mounted outlet to independently regulate airflow to specific workstations, allowing different thermal conditions in different locations while maintaining overall system integration
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
This solution provides personalized cooling and ventilation, enhancing comfort by allowing each user to customize their thermal environment without affecting others, while being aesthetically flexible and cost-effective, with easy replacement and reconfiguration options.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured for use in determining airflow through the inner body
Implementation Method 2
a first actuator configured to control a direction of the directable air output nozzle; a second actuator configured to control airflow through the inner body by actuating the adjustable damper
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling and ventilation outlet is described, including a shell configured to connect to an HVAC duct and an inner body that may be securely attached within the shell such that air from the HVAC duct passes through the inner body. The inner body may include: a directable air output nozzle, a first actuator configured to control a direction of the nozzle, an adjustable damper, a second actuator configured to control airflow through the inner body by actuating the adjustable damper, an indicator that may include at least one controllable visual element, a pressure sensor configured for use in determining airflow through the inner body, and circuitry including a network interface. The circuitry is configured to accept commands over a network, to accept readings from the pressure sensor, and to control the first actuator, the second actuator, and the indicator.