Venturi Heating Coils for Air Curtains With Low Airflow Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air curtain systems are limited in their ability to efficiently condition airflow for energy retention due to ambient air recirculation and reliance on external heating sources, which can impact the effectiveness of airflow barriers and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An air curtain unit with multiple blower fans featuring integrated heating coils positioned within and without the intake air stream venturies, utilizing a venturi airflow characteristic for enhanced heat transfer and minimal air outflow impact, with a three-phase power supply to optimize heating efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If ambient air recirculation is used with external heaters, then air curtain systems can provide basic heating function, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced and energy retention is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidenergy retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The heating coils are integrated directly into the blower assembly, merging the heating function with the air moving function. This integration allows the air to be heated immediately as it passes through the blower, eliminating the energy losses associated with separate heating units and ambient air recirculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The venturi structure acts as an intermediary element that enhances the interaction between the air stream and heating coils. By creating a venturi effect with constricted flow passages, the system maximizes heat transfer efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions within the blower assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If heating coils are added to air curtain systems, then airflow conditioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow conditioningVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: air moving and heating. By incorporating heating coils directly into the blower, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated heating units, thereby managing complexity while improving airflow conditioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If heating coils are positioned within the blower assembly, then heat transfer efficiency is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into multiple coils positioned at different locations within the blower assembly (inlet, mid-section, and outlet areas). This segmentation allows for optimized heat transfer at different stages of air flow while enabling modular manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating coils are nested within the blower assembly structure, with coils positioned inside the air stream path without requiring external housing or additional space. This nesting approach maximizes heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a compact form factor that simplifies overall manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integrated heating coils provide efficient heat transfer and energy retention by creating a modified venturi air intake effect, enhancing the airflow barrier's effectiveness and energy efficiency while minimizing air outflow impact.

Implementation Method 1

integrated heating coils positioned within and without intake air stream venturies... for maximum heat transfer from respective opposing heat coil placements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 2

heating coils conform to and define a venturi airflow characteristic by integrated coil dimension augmentation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10139120B1Integrated venturi heating elements for air curtains

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 THOMAS JR PHILIP M

AI summary

An air curtain resistant heating system including multiple independent heating coils integrated on blower housing. The multiple heating coils defining a pre-inflow venturi air pattern for increased heat transfer before fan cage internal flow vortex dependent on housing cage opposed openings. Coil orientation placement assures limited impact to effect blower pressure and therefore minimizes loss of air performance parameters while heating air flow in a pre-inflow venturi air pattern. Multiple phase electrical supply for multiple paired heating coils positioned in corresponding multiple blower fan units in an air curtain assembly.