Three-Plate Air Diffuser Damper with Manual and Motorized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air diffuser systems lack efficient and flexible control mechanisms for adjusting airflow, relying on either manual or motorized components that do not seamlessly integrate for optimal air flow management.
Innovation Solution
A three-plate damper valve system that combines a manual plate, a fixed plate, and a motorized plate, powered by a magnetically-driven stepper motor, allowing for automatic and manual control of airflow through a diffuser grille, with a central axis for rotation and an interrupt sensor for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized plate is used to control airflow automatically, then automation and precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines manual and motorized control mechanisms into a single integrated damper valve system. The motorized plate assembly integrates with the manual plate assembly, allowing both manual operation and automated motorized control to work together within the same device, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity by unifying multiple control modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be operated manually for simple adjustments, motorized for automated precision control, and includes sensors for monitoring. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different control needs without requiring separate devices, thereby improving automation while managing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a three-plate damper valve system is used, then airflow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper valve is segmented into three separate plates (manual plate, fixed plate, and motorized plate) instead of a single complex moving component. Each plate can be independently controlled or positioned, allowing for precise airflow adjustment through cumulative angular positions. This segmentation improves control precision while managing complexity by breaking down the control function into simpler, independent elements.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used for airflow adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but automation and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges manual control mechanisms with motorized control capabilities in a single damper valve assembly. The manual plate can be directly manipulated for simple adjustments, while the motorized plate provides automated control, and both operate within the same mechanical structure, allowing users to choose the appropriate control mode based on their needs.
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
Enables precise and adjustable airflow management by allowing manual and motorized control of air flow through the diffuser, optimizing air distribution while minimizing wear and maintenance through single-direction motorized plate rotation and automatic return mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A three-plate damper valve system that combines a manual plate, a fixed plate, and a motorized plate, powered by a magnetically-driven stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
with a central axis for rotation and an interrupt sensor for precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for opening and closing a damper valve of a diffuser mechanism is provided. Embodiments of the invention include a damper construction that selectively alters the amount of air flow through a diffuser grille using a three-plate damper valve. The three-plate damper valve includes a manual plate, a fixed plate, and a motorized plate. The manual plate is manually rotatable around a central axis, while the motorized plate is mechanically rotatable about the same axis. The motorized plate is mechanically and/or remotely controlled using a stepper motor coupled to the motorized plate. Further, the diffuser mechanism includes a sensor for determining the location of the motorized plate with respect to a starting position. As such, multiple configurations of the manual plate and the motorized plate may be used to alter the air flow through the resulting channels of the damper mechanism.