Smoke Extraction Damper Blanking Profiles for Airflow Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke extraction installations face challenges in accurately balancing aeraulic pressure drops across air extraction/blowing flaps, leading to potential overflows and non-compliance with safety regulations due to the random installation of perforated sheets, which complicates the precise control of air flow rates required for certification.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an air extraction/blowing component with a frame and grille, equipped with adjustable blanking profiles that create specific pressure drops by obstructing the airflow, allowing for precise balancing of air flow rates across flaps, ensuring compliance with safety standards without additional expensive equipment or complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If perforated sheets are used to balance pressure drops, then air flow rates can be reduced, but installation precision and reliability deteriorate due to random installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of pressure drop control from random perforated sheets to standardized blanking profiles with specific geometric parameters. The blanking profiles have defined dimensions (height, width, thickness) and can be configured in different patterns (single, double, triple profiles) to achieve precise pressure drop values. This transforms an imprecise installation process into a standardized parameter-controlled system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the permanent, hard-to-modify perforated sheets with interchangeable blanking profiles that can be easily installed, removed, and replaced. The blanking profiles are designed as separate components that can be fitted into grooves on the grille, allowing for simple adjustments without damaging the underlying structure. This makes the system more flexible and easier to modify if pressure drop requirements change.
2Area of stationary object
If air extraction flaps are installed at different distances from the fan, then system coverage is improved, but pressure drop balancing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure drop control function into independent blanking profiles that can be individually adjusted at each air extraction flap location. Each grille can have different configurations of blanking profiles (none, one, two, or three profiles) depending on its distance from the fan and required pressure drop. This segmentation allows each location to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different grilles to have different numbers and configurations of blanking profiles based on their specific location and pressure drop requirements. Grilles closer to the fan may require more blanking profiles to increase pressure drop, while those farther away may require fewer or none. This localized adjustment simplifies the overall balancing process compared to a uniform approach.
3Measurement precision
If precise pressure drop control is implemented, then air flow balancing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blanking profile function directly into the grille assembly by fitting the profiles into grooves on the grille surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. The blanking profiles become part of the grille unit itself, simplifying installation and reducing the number of separate components while maintaining precise pressure drop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The blanking profiles are designed to be self-retaining through the groove structure. The groove geometry (with specific depth and width parameters) allows the profiles to sit securely in place without additional fastening elements. This self-service design simplifies both installation and removal, as the profiles can be easily inserted and removed from the grooves without tools or complex assembly procedures.
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
This approach simplifies and ensures precise balancing of air flow rates across smoke extraction installations, preventing overflows and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, while reducing installation errors and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the components.
Implementation Method 1
the closure profile being intended to partially obstruct the first window and thus generate the determined pressure drop which makes it possible to obtain the desired air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an air extraction/supply damper (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) forming part of a smoke extraction system. The air extraction/supply damper (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) comprises a frame (8) defining at least one first window (83) provided with a grille (10) having fins (12). The air extraction/supply damper (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) includes at least one sealing profile (13) for the first window (83) arranged between two fins (12) to generate a predetermined pressure drop in order to obtain a chosen airflow rate through the first window (83).