Ventilation System with Angled Fluid Circulation Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ventilation devices face challenges in being installed in limited spaces along the axis of the fan due to the requirement for sufficient axial space to maintain flow rate and prevent pressure drop in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit.

Innovation Solution

The ventilation device redirects the gaseous fluid flow at a non-zero angle to the axis of rotation, using a dome-shaped deflector and spiral grooves to guide the fluid parallel to the axis, allowing for reduced dimensions and minimizing pressure drop, enabling installation in constrained spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sufficient axial space is provided upstream of the fan inlet, then the flow rate of the gas is maintained, but the device occupies more axial space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidaxial space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation circuit is configured to extend the gaseous fluid flow in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the fan axis, redirecting the flow from a parallel axial direction to an angled trajectory. This dimensional change in flow direction allows the system to achieve sufficient flow rate while reducing the axial space occupation by utilizing radial or oblique space instead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation circuit employs curved or angled pathways to redirect the gaseous fluid flow smoothly from the axial direction to an angled direction relative to the fan axis. This curved configuration minimizes flow separation and pressure losses while achieving compact axial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Length of moving object

If the circulation circuit is extended in a different direction, then the axial space is reduced, but the flow direction must be deflected at an angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial spaceVSAvoidflow deflection configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation circuit is designed with angled or radial segments that redirect the flow from axial to oblique directions, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This approach reduces axial footprint while the flow deflection is achieved through integrated circuit geometry rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation circuit combines multiple functions (flow transport, flow redirection, and pressure maintenance) into a single integrated structure. The angled circuit configuration simultaneously achieves flow deflection and compact axial dimensions without requiring separate deflection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of moving object

If the gaseous fluid is drawn at an angle to the axis of rotation, then the axial space requirement is reduced, but the flow must be redirected parallel to the axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial spaceVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation circuit introduces angled flow paths that draw gas from directions forming non-zero angles with the fan axis, utilizing radial and oblique flow components. This dimensional change in flow approach allows compact axial installation while maintaining adequate flow rates through optimized circuit geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes parameters such as circuit cross-sectional area, flow path length, and curvature radius to compensate for the angled flow direction. By adjusting these parameters, the circulation circuit maintains sufficient flow rate despite the non-axial flow approach, balancing compact dimensions with productivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration allows for a compact ventilation device installation while maintaining high flow rates and minimizing pressure loss, making it suitable for applications with limited axial space.

Implementation Method 1

minimizing a pressure drop in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP2975270B1Ventilation system with reduced axial space requirement
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2975270B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

This device (10) includes a fan (12) having a casing (14) housing a propeller (16) rotating about an axis of rotation (ZZ), said casing (14) having a gaseous fluid inlet (18) through which the gaseous fluid is intended to enter the fan (12), substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (ZZ), and a gaseous fluid outlet (19) through which the gaseous fluid is intended to be expelled. It includes a gaseous fluid circulation circuit (20), comprising a main conduit (22) and means (23) for diverting gaseous fluid flow (F), such that: - the main conduit (22) extends along a flow direction (D) forming a non-zero angle with the axis of rotation (ZZ), and - the diverting means (23) diverts a flow (F) from the main conduit (22), to direct it substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (ZZ).