Movable ventilation system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current botanical biofilter systems are not aesthetically pleasing, difficult to install, and maintain, while also occupying valuable space, and lack easy access for maintenance and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A movable ventilation system comprising a supporting frame with pivotally connected plenums and biofilter modules, an impeller for air flow, and an automatic irrigation system, allowing for easy rotation and maintenance, with a design that includes a geotextile fabric layer and specific plant species for effective air filtration and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If botanical biofilter systems are installed for air filtration, then air quality is improved, but the systems occupy valuable space and are not aesthetically pleasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple modular biofilter units that can be stacked or arranged in different configurations. Each module contains its own plant container, filter media, and air inlet/outlet ports, allowing the system to be scaled to the required filtration capacity while occupying minimal space and enabling flexible installation in various locations including vertical wall mounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biofilter modules are designed with nested structures where plant containers are positioned within the module housing, and multiple modules can be stacked or arranged in compact configurations. The system integrates multiple functional components (filtration, plant growth, air flow channels) in a nested arrangement that maximizes filtration efficiency while minimizing the overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If botanical biofilter systems are installed for air filtration, then air quality is improved, but the systems are difficult to install and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design allows each biofilter unit to be independently installed, removed, and maintained. Modules can be easily attached to each other or mounted on walls without requiring complex assembly procedures. The segmented structure enables maintenance personnel to access and service individual modules without disrupting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable and adjustable components including removable plant containers, adjustable air inlet ports, and flexible mounting options that allow the biofilter system to be easily installed in various locations and reconfigured as needed. The dynamic design facilitates simple maintenance operations such as plant replacement and filter media changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If botanical biofilter systems are installed for air filtration, then air quality is improved, but maintenance personnel do not have ready access for inspection and routine maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidmaintenance access
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Each modular biofilter unit is designed as a self-contained module with accessible air inlet ports, air outlet ports, and plant containers that can be independently accessed for maintenance. The segmented structure allows maintenance personnel to inspect and service individual modules without dismantling the entire system, enabling routine maintenance such as plant replacement, filter media changes, and air flow adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system offers multiple installation configurations including vertical wall mounting and horizontal floor-standing arrangements. The modular modules can be stacked or arranged in rows, creating accessible pathways for maintenance personnel. The three-dimensional modular arrangement ensures that air inlets, outlets, and plant containers are accessible from convenient directions depending on the installation location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient air filtration, reduces pollutant levels, and maintains air quality while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to install and maintain, with the ability to be reoriented for maintenance without occupying excessive space.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller in the plenum for driving air through biofilter module (18) from an air inlet (22) to an air outlet (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

Botanical biofilter can efficiently absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 3

a geotextile fabric layer and specific plant species for effective air filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11767995B2Movable ventilation system
Publication Date: 2023.09.26 CORNISH ADAM
  • US11767995B2 patent drawing
  • US11767995B2 patent drawing
  • US11767995B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a moveable ventilation system comprising a supporting frame having at least one plenum, and at least one biofilter module mounted on the plenum for allowing air to flow through the biofilter module from an air inlet to an air outlet via a growth medium and a vegetation. The plenum is rotatably connected to the supporting frame.