Ventilation Non-Return Flap Retention for Low-Noise Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing room ventilation devices experience noise emissions and power loss due to non-return valves acting as throttles when fan units are switched off, leading to potential backflow and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device, such as an electromagnet, is used to keep the non-return flap open during fan operation, ensuring it remains open even at lower fan speeds, and automatically closes when the fan is switched off, preventing backflow and reducing noise and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the non-return valve is kept open by fan pressure, then exhaust air can flow freely, but additional energy is consumed and noise emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve transitions from a static always-open state to a dynamic state that changes based on fan operation. During fan operation, the valve is held open; during shutdown, it automatically closes. This dynamic behavior optimizes both airflow during operation and energy efficiency during shutdown by eliminating the need to maintain pressure against a closed valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valve is designed to automatically close when the fan shuts down without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve uses its own weight and the pressure differential created during shutdown to close the opening, preventing backflow and eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming control systems.
2Productivity
If the non-return valve is kept open, then air exchange is maintained, but noise emissions and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve dynamically adjusts its position based on operational requirements. During fan operation, it remains open to allow air exchange; during shutdown, it closes to prevent noise-generating backflow and pressure fluctuations. This eliminates continuous noise emissions while maintaining productivity during active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of backflow during shutdown into a beneficial automatic closing mechanism. The pressure differential that could cause harmful backflow is instead utilized to automatically close the valve, transforming a harmful effect into a useful function that reduces noise and improves efficiency.
3Reliability
If the non-return valve acts as a throttle, then backflow is prevented, but noise emissions and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve transitions from a static throttled position to a dynamic position that is either fully open during operation or fully closed during shutdown. This eliminates the throttling effect that causes noise and power loss while maintaining reliable backflow prevention when the fan is not running.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve skips the intermediate throttled position entirely, moving directly between fully open and fully closed states. During operation, it is held open; during shutdown, it closes rapidly. This eliminates the noisy throttling phase while maintaining effective backflow prevention.
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 solution reduces noise emissions and power requirements by maintaining the non-return flap in the open position during operation while ensuring secure closure during fan shutdown, facilitating efficient air exchange at lower fan speeds and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining device is formed by an electromagnet holding the retaining flap in the open position
Implementation Method 2
the retaining flap 9 can be spring-loaded in the closing direction, in particular by means of a tension spring
Implementation Method 3
the retaining flap can close due to the force of gravity or spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for ventilating rooms is described, having a fan housing (1) in which a fan arrangement (3) driven by an electric motor (2) is arranged, the pressure side (7) of the fan arrangement (3) having a fan duct (8) belongs to which a non-return valve (9) that can be displaced between a closed and an open position is assigned. In order to create advantageous operating conditions, it is proposed that the retaining flap (9) be assigned a retaining device (10) in the open position, which retains the retaining flap (9) in the open position when the electric motor (2) is switched on.