Valve device for air flow control in an opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems in buildings, particularly in older structures, face challenges in efficiently managing air flow rates due to limited amplitude variations, which are not adequately responsive to humidity, occupation levels, seasonal changes, and indoor air quality, leading to suboptimal air treatment and increased complexity and cost in systems with separate mechanisms for flow regulation and non-return functions.
Innovation Solution
A valve device that integrates adjustable flow rate regulation and non-return functions in a single, mechanically simple and robust configuration, utilizing a pivotable film that responds to pressure differentials and air flow directions, allowing for efficient air management and prevention of parasitic wind gusts, with optional motorized control and sensor integration for optimal air quality adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for flow regulation and non-return functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow regulation function (support pivoting about first axis) and non-return function (film pivoting about second axis) into a single integrated valve device. The film is attached to the support, creating a coupled system where one component performs dual functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device is designed as a multi-functional unit where the support structure serves both as a flow regulation mechanism (through pivoting about the first axis) and as a mounting structure for the film (which provides non-return function). This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid valve structure is used for flow regulation, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the ability to respond dynamically to pressure differentials and air flow directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two pivoting mechanisms that allow the support and film to dynamically adjust their positions in response to varying pressure differentials and air flow directions. The support can pivot about a first axis for flow regulation, while the film pivots independently about a second axis, enabling real-time adaptation to changing environmental conditions while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device is segmented into two independently pivoting components: the support (pivoting about first axis) and the film (pivoting about second axis). This segmentation allows each component to respond independently to different aspects of the environmental conditions, enhancing overall adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision for each individual component.
3Productivity
If variable-flow systems are used to adjust airflow area proportionally to humidity levels, then air exchange rate can be optimized, but the variation magnitude is limited by membrane deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic pivoting mechanism for the film about a second axis, allowing it to respond to pressure differentials caused by varying humidity levels and air flow conditions. This dynamic response enables larger variations in airflow area compared to static or limited-deformation membrane systems, while still maintaining proportional adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The film acts as an intermediary element between the humidity/pressure conditions and the airflow regulation. By pivoting about a second axis independent of the support's first axis, the film can amplify or modulate the airflow adjustment in response to environmental conditions, enabling greater variation magnitude than direct membrane deformation would allow.
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 valve device effectively regulates air flow rates, ensuring compliance with normative thresholds and seasonal adjustments, while simplifying the system's structure and reducing maintenance costs by combining flow regulation and non-return functions, thus enhancing indoor air quality and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The film is pivotable independently of the support about an axis parallel and close or identical to the first axis between a position in contact with the support and a position of obstruction of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Valve device for regulating the flow of air in an air passage opening 1 made in a wall, comprising a valve arranged on one face of the wall 2 at the outlet of the opening 1. Said valve comprises a support 3 rigid pivotable along a first axis 4 parallel and adjacent to said face between two positions relative to the opening 1, the support 3 cooperating with a film 5 of dimensions capable of obstructing the opening 1 in the wall 2, said film 5 being pivotable independently of the support 3 along an axis parallel and close to or identical to the first axis 4 between a position in contact with the support 3 and a position of obstruction of the opening 1.