System and method for providing conditioned air at a loading dock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard loading dock fans fail to provide comfortable ventilation in trailers due to high volume, low velocity airflow that recirculates and maintains the same ambient temperature as the loading dock bay, leading to stagnant and uncomfortable conditions within the trailer.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose conditioned air blower system incorporating a heat exchange unit, diverter apparatus, and centrifugal blower that supplies temperature-conditioned air to the trailer, with a controller managing the system to adjust airflow based on trailer presence and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard loading dock fans provide high volume airflow, then ventilation coverage area is improved, but airflow velocity is low causing air to recirculate and become stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow parameters by using a centrifugal blower instead of a standard fan, transforming the airflow from high volume/low velocity to high velocity stream that can traverse the entire trailer length without recirculating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a necked-down discharge tube with an elbow at the blower outlet, creating a localized high-velocity jet stream that directs conditioned air efficiently through the trailer interior, improving ventilation in specific areas
2Productivity
If laminar flow centrifugal blower directs high velocity air into trailer, then ventilation efficiency is improved, but discharge air temperature is the same as ambient loading dock bay area which may be uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchange unit as an intermediary component between the air source and the centrifugal blower. This unit conditions the air temperature before it enters the blower, allowing the high-velocity air stream to be delivered at a comfortable temperature rather than ambient loading dock temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary air conditioning in the heat exchange unit before the air enters the centrifugal blower. This preliminary temperature conditioning ensures that when the high-velocity air is discharged into the trailer, it already has the desired comfortable temperature
3Ease of operation
If heat exchange unit conditions air temperature, then comfort level is improved, but system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system so that the heat exchange unit and centrifugal blower serve multiple functions: the heat exchange unit both conditions air temperature and prepares it for high-velocity delivery, while the centrifugal blower provides both the velocity and the pressure needed for effective trailer ventilation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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 effectively ventilates the trailer with temperature-conditioned air, maintaining a comfortable environment by regulating airflow and temperature, improving ventilation efficiency and comfort within the trailer.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchange unit includes an ambient air inlet, heat exchange elements, and a conditioned air outlet
Implementation Method 2
The centrifugal blower includes a blower inlet fluidly coupled to the second diverter outlet of the diverter apparatus, and a blower outlet positioned to ventilate a trailer interior with conditioned air
Data Source
AI summary
A facility-based dual-purpose conditioned air blower system includes a heat exchange unit, a diverter apparatus, and a centrifugal blower. The heat exchange unit includes an ambient air inlet, heat exchange elements, and a conditioned air outlet. The diverter apparatus includes a diverter inlet fluidly coupled to the conditioned air outlet of the heat exchange unit, a first diverter outlet to the facility, and a second diverter outlet. The diverter apparatus is moveable between a first position wherein the first diverter outlet is closed and the second diverter outlet is open, and a second position wherein the first diverter outlet is open and the second diverter outlet is closed. The centrifugal blower includes a blower inlet fluidly coupled to the second diverter outlet of the diverter apparatus, and a blower outlet positioned to ventilate a trailer interior with conditioned air from the conditioned air outlet of the heat exchange unit.