Ventilation fan and drying system and method of using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional evacuation fans in bathrooms experience a significant drop in performance due to negative pressure buildup within enclosed spaces, hampering air removal efficiency and prolonging drying times, which can lead to increased energy consumption and health hazards from moisture-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system that combines air evacuation and recirculation capabilities, featuring a fan assembly, pressure equalization sub-system, and switching sub-system to manage airflow and humidity, allowing for efficient air removal and recirculation, thereby reducing drying time and preventing moisture-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional evacuation fans are used to remove air from the bathroom, then air evacuation function is provided, but negative pressure buildup occurs within the enclosed space, hampering air removal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into two functional modes: air evacuation mode (with port damper open) and air recirculation mode (with port damper closed). This segmentation allows the system to address negative pressure buildup by switching to recirculation mode, where air is drawn from the enclosure and exhausted outside through the same fan, eliminating the need for continuous external air intake that causes negative pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between evacuation and recirculation modes based on operational needs. The port damper dynamically opens or closes to control air intake, while the fan dynamically adjusts its operation between evacuation and recirculation functions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain positive pressure during recirculation and achieve efficient air removal when evacuation is needed.
2Reliability
If conventional evacuation fans operate continuously to maintain air quality, then air evacuation function is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by cycling between evacuation mode and recirculation mode. During recirculation mode, the port damper closes and the fan recirculates air within the enclosure, providing continuous air movement and quality maintenance with lower energy consumption. The system periodically switches to evacuation mode when external air intake is needed, rather than operating continuously in high-energy evacuation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation mode provides continuous useful action by constantly moving air within the enclosure, maintaining air quality and preventing stagnant zones. This continuous air circulation achieves reliability benefits without the high energy cost of continuous evacuation mode operation, as the fan operates at lower intensity recirculating air locally rather than constantly exhausting to the exterior.
3Productivity
If conventional evacuation fans are used, then air evacuation is achieved, but drying time of the enclosed space is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges air evacuation function with air recirculation function into a single integrated system. The same fan and housing perform both evacuation (when port damper opens) and recirculation (when port damper closes). This merging allows the system to accelerate drying through recirculation mode, which continuously moves air across surfaces to enhance evaporation, while maintaining the ability to evacuate when needed, thereby reducing overall drying time compared to conventional fans that only evacuate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes: evacuation mode with high airflow out to exterior, and recirculation mode with air circulated within the enclosure. During recirculation, the port damper closes and the fan creates continuous air movement over wet surfaces, increasing evaporation rate and drying speed. This parameter change from static evacuation to dynamic recirculation significantly reduces drying time.
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 system enhances air removal efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and accelerates drying times, improving safety and health by minimizing the presence of wet surfaces and reducing bacterial and mold growth.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to draw air in through the first intake aperture
Implementation Method 2
the system can improve drying time of the enclosed space by being able to not only function as an air evacuation system but also act as an air recirculation system
Data Source
AI summary
An air circulation and ventilation system for an enclosure. The system includes a fan assembly subsystem with a housing defining a manifold. The housing has a first intake aperture configured to receive air from within the enclosure, a first outlet aperture configured to emit air from the manifold to outside the enclosure, and a fan configured to draw air in through the first intake aperture. The system includes a pressure equalization subsystem having a port configured to allow additional air into the enclosure. The port includes a damper for selectively opening and closing the port. The system also includes a switching subsystem with a switch operably coupled to the fan and the damper. The switch selects between a first mode where the damper is closed and the fan is off and a second mode where the port damper is open and the fan is on.