Protective air supply system and method for supplying protective air flow in a clean room

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air distribution systems in clean rooms, such as operating theaters, fail to provide flexible and controlled air supply flows, leading to unsatisfactory airflow patterns, contamination risks, and inadequate thermal comfort, particularly due to the inability to adjust air velocity and prevent reverse flow.

Innovation Solution

A protective air supply system with adjustable air flow volumes and ratios, featuring a controller that switches between isolation and normal patient modes, and includes multiple nozzles in diffusers with separate chambers for controlled airflow direction and temperature adjustment, ensuring uniform air distribution and contaminant control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed air supply systems are used in clean rooms, then the system structure is simple, but the air supply flow cannot be adjusted for different scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply flow adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable air supply diffusers with variable flow control mechanisms that allow the air supply system to adapt between different operational modes (isolation mode and normal patient mode). The diffusers can dynamically adjust airflow volume and distribution patterns based on the specific scenario requirements, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter adjustment of air supply by modifying flow volume, velocity, and distribution characteristics. The patent describes controlling air supply parameters to create different airflow patterns (unidirectional flow in isolation mode, mixed flow in normal mode) by changing the operational parameters of the diffusers and fans, allowing the same physical system to achieve different functional states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high velocity air supply is used to prevent contaminant backflow, then contaminant control improves, but thermal comfort and occupation safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant backflow preventionVSAvoidthermal discomfort and occupation safety issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different air supply strategies to different spatial zones within the clean room. In the isolation mode, high velocity unidirectional flow is concentrated in the critical zone near the patient to prevent contaminant backflow, while in normal patient mode, the airflow is distributed more evenly across the room. This localized quality adjustment ensures that high velocity is applied only where necessary for contaminant control, rather than uniformly throughout the entire space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts air supply velocity based on the operational mode. The controllable fans and adjustable diffusers enable the system to switch between high velocity unidirectional flow (when contaminant control is critical) and lower velocity mixed flow (when thermal comfort is prioritized). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making velocity a variable parameter rather than a fixed value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable air supply systems are implemented, then flexibility and contaminant control improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply flexibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply system is segmented into multiple independently controllable components: multiple adjustable diffusers distributed throughout the room, each with individual flow control; controllable fans positioned at different locations; and a controller that coordinates these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted independently based on specific operational requirements, providing flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes a multi-functional air supply system where the same physical infrastructure (diffusers, fans, controller) serves multiple operational modes (isolation mode and normal patient mode). The adjustable diffusers and controllable fans can be configured for different airflow patterns and velocities, allowing a single system to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated systems.

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

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

The system provides flexible and controlled air supply, effectively preventing contaminant backflow and ensuring thermal comfort by adjusting airflow volumes and temperatures, enhancing safety and indoor air quality in clean rooms.

Implementation Method 1

each of the supply air diffusers being configured to diffuse a first air flow, having a first air flow volume A l/s, directed along a ceiling of the clean room and towards the clean area and a second air flow, having a second air flow volume B l/s, directed along the ceiling of the clean room and towards a perimeter of the clean room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

ensuring uniform air distribution and contaminant control... adjusting airflow volumes and temperatures, enhancing safety and indoor air quality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature control:

Data Source

PatentEP3926245B1Protective air supply system and method for supplying protective air flow in a clean room
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 HALTON OY
  • EP3926245B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3926245B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3926245B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A protective air supply system for controlling air supply flows in a clean room, wherein the clean room comprises a clean area (1) subject to contamination, comprising a first air supply diffuser (2) and a second air supply diffuser (3), arranged within a ceiling (4) of the clean room on opposite sides of the clean area (1) and spaced from side walls of the clean room, wherein each of the supply air diffusers is provided with multiple nozzles (8) configured to diffuse a first air flow (5), having a first air flow volume A l/s, directed along a ceiling (4) of the clean room and towards the clean area (1) and a second air flow (6), having a second air flow volume B l/s, directed along the ceiling (4) of the clean room and towards a perimeter of the clean room, a controller (7) coupled to the air supply diffusers, wherein the controller (7) is configured to adjust the first air flow volume A and the second air flow volume B and their ratio.