Portable environment control system and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable and easy-to-use environmental control system that can moderate temperature and humidity in various enclosures, such as recreational vehicles and sheds, without occupying valuable space and being affordable, as existing systems are often permanent, bulky, or unsuitable for small or temporary spaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable environment control system comprising a conversion cover and conduit system that attaches to standard window-unit air conditioners or other devices, allowing for quick setup and use in different enclosures, with a conversion cover that seals airflow and provides control access, and partition couplings that direct airflow through partitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent environmental control system is installed in an enclosure, then the temperature and humidity control is reliable and effective, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental control system is divided into separate components: a standard window-unit air conditioner and a portable hood assembly. The hood can be detached and relocated independently, allowing the cooling unit to remain stationary while the directional control component becomes portable. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making parts of the system relocatable without compromising the overall cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood assembly incorporates adjustable and removable components, including variable positioning of the air outlet and detachable couplings. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different locations and configurations, providing reliable environmental control in temporary or movable enclosures without requiring a permanent installation.
2Reliability
If a window-unit air conditioner is installed in an enclosure, then effective cooling is achieved, but the unit occupies valuable space within the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly extracts and redirects the airflow from the window-unit air conditioner's exhaust opening. By capturing the conditioned air at the outlet and directing it into the enclosure through the hood, the system maintains effective cooling while allowing the air conditioner to be positioned outside or at the boundary of the enclosure, minimizing space occupation within the enclosed area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood acts as an intermediary component between the window-unit air conditioner and the enclosure interior. It receives conditioned air from the air conditioner outlet and delivers it into the enclosure through controlled openings, enabling effective cooling without requiring the bulky air conditioner unit to occupy space within the enclosure itself.
3Ease of operation
If a portable environmental control system is designed for easy setup and relocation, then the system becomes convenient and affordable, but the airflow sealing and directional control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly includes pre-configured couplings and mounting mechanisms that simplify installation. The couplings are designed to connect to standard window-unit air conditioner outlets without requiring complex modifications or tools, allowing quick setup while maintaining adequate airflow sealing through the predetermined connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood incorporates flexible materials and adaptable sealing surfaces that can conform to different air conditioner outlet configurations. This flexibility maintains effective airflow control and sealing across various units and installation positions without compromising the portable, easy-to-relocate design.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable environment control system is configured to condition the air within an enclosure, such as by heating, cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying. The portable environmental control system has a conduit that is attached at one end to an environment control device and attached at the opposing outlet end to a partition coupling. The partition coupling is configured over an opening in a partition, such as an exterior wall of a recreation vehicle. Airflow from the environment control device is configured to flow through the conduit and through the partition coupling to an enclosure. The portable environment control system is quick and easy to install and allows for closure of an opening in a partition with a flange cover. The portable environment control system may have an inlet and outlet conduit to provide air flow to and draw air flow from an enclosure, respectively.