Packaged Terminal Climate Unit With Dual-Mode Pest Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for pest control in enclosed areas, such as hotels and buildings, are inadequate as they cannot effectively heat spaces to temperatures sufficient to kill pests like bed bugs without additional equipment, leading to increased costs and time for eradication.

Innovation Solution

A packaged terminal device that operates in two modes: a normal mode for comfortable temperature and a pest control mode that heats areas to temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, using a housing with a fan and heating elements, along with control units to manage airflow and temperature, allowing for both heating and cooling while ensuring pest elimination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional packaged terminal devices are used for heating/cooling, then comfortable temperature control is achieved, but the device cannot heat to temperatures sufficient to kill pests

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaged terminal device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a first mode to heat/cool spaces to comfortable temperatures for occupants, and in a second mode to heat spaces to elevated temperatures sufficient to kill bed bugs and other pests. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating devices and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes of operation. In the first mode, heating elements operate at lower power levels to maintain comfortable temperatures (e.g., 70°F). In the second mode, heating elements operate at higher power levels to achieve pest-killing temperatures (e.g., 120°F or higher), thereby adapting to different temperature requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If separate heating devices are brought in to achieve pest-killing temperatures, then effective pest eradication is possible, but costs and time for eradication increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest eradication effectivenessVSAvoideradication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pest control heating function with the existing packaged terminal heating/cooling device. By integrating the pest eradication capability into the already-installed climate control system, the need for bringing in separate heating devices is eliminated, thereby reducing both the time and cost associated with pest eradication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If heating elements operate at high power to kill pests, then pest eradication is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest elimination capabilityVSAvoidheating energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the heating elements in intervals, allowing the space to be heated to pest-killing temperatures when needed, then reducing power consumption during maintenance phases. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective pest eradication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution reduces the need for separate heating devices, lowering eradication costs and time by providing a single system capable of both comfortable temperature control and pest elimination, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

The fan is operable to draw a flow of air from the affected area into the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The one or more heating elements are operable to generate heated air by transferring heat to the flow of air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9247725B2Packaged terminal climate unit for pest control

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 THERMA STOR LLC

AI summary

In certain embodiments, a packaged terminal device for killing pests in an affected area includes a housing configured to be positioned at least partially within an affected area, a fan positioned within the housing, and one or more heating elements positioned within the housing. The fan is operable to draw a flow of air from the affected area into the housing. The one or more heating elements are operable to generate heated air by transferring heat to the flow of air. The packaged terminal device further includes a control unit operable to control the operation of the one or more heating elements in order to cause the packaged terminal device to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the operation of the one or more heating elements is controlled such that sufficient heated air is generated to heat at least a portion of the affected area to a temperature less than or equal to a first predefined temperature. In the second mode, the operation of the one or more heating elements is controlled such that sufficient heated air is generated to heat at least a portion of the affected area to a temperature greater than or equal to a second predefined temperature, the second predefined temperature being greater than the first predefined temperature.