Pivoting Damper Blade Assembly for Compact Mixed-Air Ventilators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC unit ventilators face issues with bulky size, reliability, and sealing effectiveness due to complex linkages and planar damper blades, which are not suitable for long and narrow applications, and require a more compact and robust solution.
Innovation Solution
A direct-driven damper blade unit with a filter rack providing structural support and a gusseted, ribbed design creates a rigid box-like structure, using a single piece of sheet metal for damper blades and a splitter plate to separate air streams, with insulation to prevent frost and condensation, and notches for pivoting, resulting in a compact and efficient air control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dampers are interconnected by complicated linkages or gears, then the air mixing control capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple damper blades (outside air damper blade and return air damper blade) into a single integrated damper assembly that is directly driven by one motor, eliminating the need for separate linkages and gears. The damper blades are interconnected through a common shaft and pivot point, allowing coordinated movement without complex mechanical transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage and gear systems with a direct-drive motor configuration. The motor shaft is directly coupled to the damper assembly, using electrical control instead of mechanical transmissions to achieve precise damper positioning and air mixing control.
2Device complexity
If simple flat damper blades are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to twisting and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curvature and three-dimensional structural features to the damper blades through gussets and ribs. These structural elements create a rigid box-like configuration that prevents twisting and bending, ensuring the blades maintain their intended geometry and sealing surfaces remain effective throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction for the damper blades, combining multiple metal components (blades, gussets, ribs) into an integrated assembly. This composite structure provides both the simplicity of metal fabrication and the rigidity needed to prevent deformation, achieving both low complexity and high reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If blower, heat exchanger, damper system and filter are stacked one atop the other, then the installation is simplified, but the unit size becomes unreasonably large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal or multi-dimensional layout where components are arranged side-by-side or in overlapping planes. The damper assembly is integrated into the housing structure, and the filter rack is positioned to utilize available space efficiently, reducing the overall unit footprint while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested arrangements where smaller components are positioned within or alongside larger components. The damper blades are integrated into the housing structure, and the filter rack is positioned to utilize the vertical space created by the horizontal component arrangement, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall unit size.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC unit ventilator, particularly suited for schools and hotels, includes a single damper blade driven directly by a motor to control a supply air's mixture of return air and outside air. The damper blade is selectively pivotal to a full outside air position, a full return air position, and various intermediate mixed-air positions. The damper blade has flexible edge and end seals that create little if any frictional drag as the damper blade pivots to the intermediate positions, yet the seals provide a positive, tight seal when the damper stops at either the full outside air position or the full return air position. The unit ventilator includes a filter frame that not only supports an air filter but also provides the damper blade with sealing surfaces and structural support. For rigidity, the damper blade has somewhat of a box-like structure that is bi-directionally reinforced by ribs and triangular gussets.