Undulated Diffuser Blade Geometry for Lower-Noise Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC diffusers have inefficient air flow distribution and high manufacturing costs due to their blade designs, which result in increased power consumption and noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a diffuser blade with an undulated surface enhancement along its leading edge, fabricated from sheet metal, which reduces pressure drop and noise by improving air flow velocity and pressure profiles, and is cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional flat blade design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but air flow distribution is inefficient and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by introducing an undulated surface with multiple peaks and valleys along the leading edge of the diffuser blade. This undulated contour creates a curved geometry that optimizes air flow guidance, improves distribution efficiency, and reduces the energy required to move air through the HVAC system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional flat blade design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but noise levels are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The undulated surface with its curved peaks and valleys modifies the air flow pattern to reduce turbulence and noise. The curved geometry guides air more smoothly through the diffuser, reducing the harmful noise effect while the manufacturing process remains feasible through forming or molding techniques.
3Stress or pressure
If traditional blade design is used, then pressure drop is high, but manufacturing cost is low
Solution Approach 1:
The undulated surface creates a curved flow path that reduces pressure drop by guiding air more efficiently through the diffuser. While the geometry is more complex than a flat blade, the manufacturing complexity is managed through forming processes that can create the undulated contour in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface geometry parameter from flat to undulated, creating multiple peaks and valleys along the leading edge. This parameter change optimizes the pressure distribution and reduces pressure drop while maintaining manufacturability through appropriate forming or molding techniques.
4Productivity
If undulated surface is added to blade, then air flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The undulated surface with its systematic arrangement of peaks and valleys creates an optimized air flow path. The curvature is designed to guide air efficiently while the repeating pattern allows for manageable manufacturing complexity through forming or molding processes.
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 undulated surface enhancement on the diffuser blade improves air flow efficiency, reduces power consumption, and decreases noise levels, making the HVAC system more effective and economical.
Implementation Method 1
The undulated surface enhancement on the diffuser blade may operate to improve a velocity and/or pressure profile of the air flow and reduce a pressure drop
Data Source
AI summary
A plenum slot diffuser is configured to receive an air flow and includes a blade configured to guide the air flow toward a space to condition the space. The blade includes a length along which a leading edge of the blade extends, where the leading edge is configured to face an air flow. The blade also includes a width extending transverse to the length between the leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade, and including a curved profile extending along a majority of the width. The blade also includes an undulated contour extending along the leading edge and into and out of the width.