Raised Floor Air Diffuser with Plenum Chamber for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC system diffusers are limited by the structure of the floor, which restricts air flow and unevenly distributes conditioned air, leading to suboptimal space conditioning.
Innovation Solution
An air diffuser designed for a raised floor with a sleeve and damper system that includes a plenum chamber and adjustable damper sections to regulate air flow, allowing for even distribution of air independent of the floor structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional diffuser is installed in a raised floor, then the diffuser can be integrated into the floor structure, but the floor structure limits the air flow distribution capability
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into separate functional components: a body portion with diffuser openings for air distribution, a sleeve portion extending through the floor, and a damper assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body for air distribution and the sleeve for floor integration - resolving the contradiction between floor integration and air flow distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow passage extends through the sleeve in a direction substantially perpendicular to the diffuser face, creating a three-dimensional air distribution path. This dimensional approach allows air to be delivered from below the floor through the sleeve and distributed across the diffuser face, overcoming the limitations of traditional two-dimensional floor-mounted diffusers
2Strength
If the floor structure is thick or complex, then structural integrity is maintained, but air flow to the diffuser is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser body is positioned within the sleeve, with the air flow passage nested through the sleeve length. This nested configuration allows the diffuser to be installed in raised floors of varying thicknesses without compromising structural integrity - the sleeve accommodates the floor thickness while the nested diffuser body maintains adequate air flow passage length for proper air distribution
3Ease of operation
If a simple diffuser design is used, then installation is easier, but air flow regulation and distribution uniformity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly performs multiple functions through integrated components: the sleeve provides both structural support for floor installation and an air flow conduit; the damper assembly provides both air flow regulation and a means for adjusting distribution characteristics; the diffuser face provides both air distribution and a reference for alignment. This multi-functionality maintains installation simplicity while enabling sophisticated air flow control
Data Source
AI summary
An air diffuser configured to be positioned in a raised floor, in which the air diffuser includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end with an air flow passage extending through the sleeve from the first end to the second end, a diffuser face disposed at the first end of the sleeve and configured to be exposed to an environment in an installed position within the raised floor, a damper disposed at the second end of the sleeve, and a plenum chamber defined within the sleeve between the damper and the diffuser face.