Sliding and rotatable vented damper for the control of a fluid through a conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper systems in HVAC applications face challenges in adjusting fluid flow levels without creating turbulent flow and noise, as blades obstructing the center of conduits lead to uneven flow distribution and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A damper apparatus comprising a fixed plate and a slide plate with aligned openings, allowing for adjustable alignment to control fluid flow, where the fixed plate can rotate and the slide plate can slide independently or simultaneously to achieve various flow levels without central obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a blade is positioned at the center of the conduit to control fluid flow, then the flow level can be adjusted, but the flow becomes turbulent and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The single blade is segmented into multiple blades (first blade, second blade, third blade, fourth blade) positioned at different locations within the conduit. This segmentation allows each blade to control a specific portion of the flow, distributing the flow control function across multiple elements rather than concentrating it at the center, thereby reducing turbulence and noise while maintaining adjustable flow levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-center control approach to a multi-dimensional distributed control system. Blades are positioned at different spatial locations (top, bottom, sides) and can be independently adjusted, adding spatial dimensionality to the flow control mechanism. This dimensional distribution eliminates the need for central obstruction and reduces flow disruption.
2Quantity of substance
If a blade is set perpendicular to the flow to minimize flow, then flow obstruction is maximized, but this creates negative pressure behind the blade
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the flow control function across multiple blades positioned at different locations, each blade handles a portion of the flow restriction. This distributes the pressure differential across multiple points rather than creating a concentrated negative pressure zone behind a single central blade, mitigating the pressure stress issue.
Solution Approach 2:
Each blade is positioned to control a specific local region of the flow (e.g., top, bottom, sides of the conduit). This local control approach allows for more uniform pressure distribution across the flow field, preventing the formation of large negative pressure zones that would occur with a single central blade.
3Device complexity
If a single blade is used for flow control, then the device is simple, but it cannot easily be adjusted from the exterior of the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple blades are designed to be independently adjustable, allowing each blade to perform the same flow control function but at different locations. This multi-functionality enables external adjustment of flow levels through various combination of blade positions, providing operational flexibility without requiring internal conduit access while maintaining relatively simple individual blade structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for adjusting the flow of a fluid within a conduit, comprising a slide plate with a flat body and a fixed plate with a flat body. The slide plate and fixed plate have openings on their bodies. At a fully closed position, the openings of the slide plate do not substantially overlap with the openings of the fixed plate. By rotation of an actuator shaft and drive pin disposed thereon, the slide plate may move relative to the fixed plate, whereby the openings of the slide plate begin overlapping with the opening of the fixed plate, thereby allowing flow of fluid through the openings. Sequentially or independently from the movement of the slide plate, rotation of the actuator shaft may cause the fixed plate to rotate relative to the walls of the conduit, whereby flow of fluid may pass through the opening between the conduit and fixed plate assembly.