Self-Contained Makeup Air Unit with Integrated Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional make-up air units for balancing air pressure in indoor spaces are not portable, self-contained, or easily configurable, requiring cumbersome and expensive installations with visible wiring, which does not meet the needs of various HVAC systems and aesthetic preferences.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained make-up air unit with a housing featuring separate exhaust and intake inlets and outlets, a fan for air transfer, and a self-sensing flap switch unit that activates the fan based on airflow detection, eliminating the need for external wiring and allowing for portable and universal installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional make-up air units are used with external wiring and remote sensors, then air pressure balancing function is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor, control circuitry, and make-up air unit into a single integrated device. The flow sensor is positioned within immediate proximity of the make-up air unit, eliminating the need for separate remote sensing systems and external wiring. This integration directly reduces installation complexity while maintaining the air pressure balancing function.
2Reliability
If conventional make-up air units are installed in common areas or on walls, then air pressure balancing is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated make-up air unit is designed to be versatile and can be installed in multiple locations including within HVAC equipment, on equipment roofs, or in utility areas. This multi-location capability allows the device to maintain its air pressure balancing function while being placed in less visually prominent locations, thereby improving aesthetic appearance.
3Measurement precision
If make-up air units require external wiring and remote sensors, then air flow detection capability is achieved, but portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor and control system are integrated directly into the make-up air unit housing, creating a self-contained device that requires no external wiring. The sensor detects air flow through the exhaust system and automatically controls the make-up air intake, enabling the unit to be easily moved and reinstalled in different locations while maintaining precise air flow detection capability.
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 solution provides a portable, easily configurable, and aesthetically pleasing make-up air unit that maintains balanced air pressure without external wiring, enhancing installation flexibility and meeting diverse HVAC system requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A fan overlies the at least one intake outlet and is configured to transfer air from the compartment through the at least one intake outlet into the work space
Implementation Method 2
A flow detector is disposed in the compartment adjacent to the at least one exhaust outlet and is configured to detect a flow of air through the at least one exhaust inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A makeup air unit comprising a housing defining a compartment. The housing further defines at least one exhaust inlet for receiving air from an indoor space into the compartment and at least one exhaust outlet for passing air from the compartment to the atmosphere. The housing further defines at least one intake inlet and at least one intake outlet each extending into the compartment. The exhaust inlet and outlet are fluidly disconnected from the intake inlet and outlet. An air moving device overlies the intake outlet and is configured to transfer air from the compartment through the intake outlet into the work space. A flap switch unit is disposed in the compartment adjacent to the exhaust outlet and is configured to detect a flow of air through the exhaust inlet and to activate the air moving device in response to a detection of the flow of air.