Fan control apparatus and fan control method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan control systems require complex configurations with multiple fans to adjust atmospheric pressures in adjacent rooms, making it difficult to control pressure uniformly without sensors detecting the room state and fan operation.

Innovation Solution

A fan control system comprising a first sensor in one room, a second sensor in an adjacent room, and a reversible flow (RF) fan at the boundary between them, controlled by a controller to adjust the RF fan's rotational speed and direction to equalize atmospheric pressures measured by both sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fans are used to adjust atmospheric pressures in adjacent rooms, then pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple fans into a single reversible flow fan. The controller switches the fan's rotation direction to achieve bidirectional airflow control, effectively merging what would require two separate fans (one for each direction) into one device, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining pressure control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible flow fan serves multiple functions: it can blow air in both directions (from room A to room B and from room B to room A), replacing the need for dedicated inlet and outlet fans. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while preserving full pressure adjustment capability

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

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to detect room state and fan operation, then pressure equalization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pressure sensors in both rooms that provide feedback to the controller. The controller continuously monitors the pressure difference between rooms and automatically adjusts the reversible flow fan's rotation direction and speed to equalize pressures, creating a closed-loop control system that achieves accurate pressure equalization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the pressure sensors to automatically detect and respond to pressure imbalances without manual intervention. The controller self-adjusts the fan operation based on sensor data, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables simple and automatic pressure control in adjacent rooms using a single RF fan, allowing for uniform atmospheric pressure adjustment and various types of automatic control.

Implementation Method 1

a reversible flow fan placed at a boundary between the first and second rooms... to control the rotational speed and rotational direction of the reversible flow fan in such a manner that the measured values of the first and second sensors are the same

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3604960B1Fan control apparatus and fan control method
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SANYO DENKI CO LTD
  • EP3604960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604960B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3604960B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a fan control apparatus which includes: a first sensor; a second sensor; an RF fan; and a controller. The first sensor is provided in a first room, and is configured to acquire a measured value of at least one condition selected from conditions of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity for the first room, the second sensor is provided in a second room adjacent to the first room, and is configured to acquire a measured value of the same condition as the at least one selected condition for the second room, the RF fan is placed at a boundary between the first and second rooms, and the controller is configured to control a rotational speed and rotational direction of the RF fan in such a manner that the measured values of the first and second sensors are the same.