Removable Air Orientation Device for Modular Duct Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning ducts for greenhouses face challenges in achieving uniform air distribution due to inclined secondary air flows, leading to temperature and humidity disparities, and existing solutions are costly, inefficient, and require complex manufacturing processes or permanent modifications to the ducts.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a removable air orientation device with frictional fastening means that can be easily installed and adjusted on existing air ducts, using blades to guide secondary air flows perpendicular to the duct axis, allowing for customizable and modular air distribution without altering the duct's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional air ducts with simple perforations are used, then the duct structure remains simple and manufacturing costs are low, but the secondary air flows take unwanted inclined orientations leading to temperature and humidity disparities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduct manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidair flow orientation uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct is segmented into multiple sections along its longitudinal axis, with each section having discharge openings at different angular positions. This allows different portions of the duct to have customized opening orientations, enabling uniform air flow distribution while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for each individual section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the air duct are given different local qualities in terms of discharge opening orientations. Each section is designed with specific angular positions tailored to its location, ensuring that air flows are distributed uniformly across the greenhouse while each local section remains simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If orientation nozzles are permanently fitted to the air duct, then air flow orientation is improved, but the duct cannot be adapted when the air conditioning unit changes or is reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow orientation controlVSAvoidduct reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct system transitions from a static, permanently fitted orientation nozzle design to a dynamic, adjustable design. The discharge openings can be repositioned or reoriented without permanent modification to the duct structure, allowing the system to adapt when air conditioning units are changed or reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The duct is designed with pre-defined sections and adjustable components that can be configured in advance to match different air conditioning unit requirements. This preliminary structuring enables easy reconfiguration without requiring permanent modifications or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If orientation nozzles are fitted throughout the entire air duct, then air flow orientation is improved in all sections, but manufacturing time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow orientation uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fitting orientation features throughout the entire air duct, the invention applies discharge opening orientation adjustments only to the specific sections where it is needed. This partial action approach maintains air flow uniformity while significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs compared to treating the entire duct length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The air duct is divided into multiple sections, allowing orientation adjustments to be applied selectively to individual sections rather than the entire duct. This segmentation enables efficient manufacturing by focusing precision work only where necessary while keeping other sections simple and quick to produce.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures efficient, customizable, and cost-effective air distribution by aligning secondary air flows with the duct axis, reducing temperature and humidity disparities and simplifying installation and maintenance, while minimizing material and labor costs.

Implementation Method 1

removable fastening means for reversibly fastening the guide portion to the wall of the main air duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20230304699A1Removable secondary air flow orientation device intended to equip a main air duct, duct and air distribution assembly comprising at least one such device, associated air duct and method for assembling such an equipped duct

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 RICHEL GRP

AI summary

An air orientation device to be coupled to an air discharge opening arranged in a wall of a main air duct. The air orientation device includes a guide portion configured to guide a secondary air flow originating from the discharge opening. and a removable fastener for reversibly fastening the guide portion to the wall of the main air duct.