Smart vent/duct cover for controlling and cooling temperatures individual rooms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning and ventilation systems lack graduated control of airflow, making it difficult to maintain desired temperature levels, especially in areas with inaccessible duct/vent covers.
Innovation Solution
A nested three-cylinder device and a flexible air duct/vent cover with a motorized system, controlled by a remote controller, that allows for adjustable airflow by sliding or rotating components to open, close, or partially open the air duct/vent openings, accommodating varying airflow needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If duct/vent covers are located in ceilings or on floors/lower walls, then air conditioning and ventilation can be provided, but accessibility for manual control is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motorized system. A motor mounted on the duct/vent cover operates a threaded screw mechanism that rotates to move the cover along the screw, enabling automatic opening and closing without manual intervention. This substitution resolves the accessibility problem by eliminating the need for physical contact with hard-to-reach covers.
2Ease of operation
If fixed grill covers are used on duct openings, then installation is simple, but graduated control of airflow is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed grill cover into a dynamic system with movable components. The cover is mounted on a threaded screw mechanism that allows it to rotate and change position, creating variable openings for graduated airflow control. The motorized actuation enables the cover to transition between fully open, partially open, and fully closed positions, providing dynamic control over air intake.
3Extent of automation
If motorized control is added to duct/vent covers, then automated airflow control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact motorized assembly. The motor simultaneously provides rotational motion for the threaded screw mechanism, enables bidirectional movement (open/close), and can be controlled remotely via infrared signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall control system while achieving automated airflow adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An smart air duct/vent cover plate for air conditioning and ventilation can be implemented either as a nested three cylinder device which or as a cover frame with a flexible layer perforated with through holes. Either device provides selectivity in terms of the amount of airflow provided to an interior ambient air space. The functionality of both devices can be controlled by a wireless handheld remote control.