Volume current controller assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume flow controllers in ventilation ducts become inaccessible for inspection, adjustment, and cleaning after installation, requiring significant effort to access due to their installation in confined spaces within building ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A volume flow controller arrangement featuring a connection box with an exposed access opening and an adapter sleeve that allows the controller to be pulled out through an air outlet passage, utilizing a larger socket and seals for easy removal and reinstallation without damaging the seals, enabling access for maintenance without disassembling ceiling parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the volume flow controller is installed in a ventilation duct with the same nominal diameter as the duct, then the installation is straightforward and space-efficient, but the controller becomes inaccessible for inspection, adjustment, and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of volume flow controllerVSAvoidInstallation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation structure is divided into separate functional components: a connection box embedded in the ceiling, an adapter sleeve with receiving and connection sections, and the volume flow controller itself. This segmentation allows the controller to be accessed through the connection box opening without disrupting the overall ventilation duct system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the ventilation duct and the connection box. It provides a transition from the duct's nominal diameter to the larger connection box socket, enabling the volume flow controller to be mounted in an accessible location while maintaining connection to the duct system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a larger socket is used in the connection box to accommodate the volume flow controller, then the controller can be easily accessed and removed, but the adapter sleeve requires additional sections with different diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of controller removal and installationVSAvoidAdapter sleeve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter sleeve is divided into two distinct sections: a receiving section with a first diameter that connects to the ventilation duct, and a connection section with a second (larger) diameter that connects to the connection box. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter sleeve's dual-diameter structure creates a nested configuration where the smaller receiving section is positioned within the larger connection section, allowing the volume flow controller to be pulled through the connection box opening while maintaining sealed connections at both ends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the volume flow controller is sealed tightly in the receiving section, then it is securely fixed, but it becomes difficult to pull out for maintenance without damaging the seals

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing reliabilityVSAvoidEase of controller removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal arrangement provides dynamic sealing that adapts to the controller's position. When the controller is inserted, the seals engage to provide a tight seal for secure fixing. When the controller is pulled out, the seals deform or retract to reduce friction, allowing easy removal without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing characteristics change based on the controller's position within the receiving section. The seals provide high friction and tight sealing when the controller is in its operating position, but allow for reduced friction and easier movement when the controller is being installed or removed, preventing seal damage during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3064854B1Volume current controller assembly
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 WILDEBOER WERNER
  • EP3064854B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3064854B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3064854B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Volume flow controller arrangement with a volume flow controller (28) designed for installation in a ventilation line, which has a tubular housing (38), a throttle element (44) arranged movably in the housing and an adjusting device (50) arranged on the outside of the housing for adjusting the throttle element, characterized by a junction box (18) which has an access opening (20) that is exposed when installed, and an adapter sleeve (22) which accommodates the volume flow controller (28) in a receiving section (26) in a displaceable manner and has an axially adjoining connection section (30). , which can be connected to a socket (30) of the connection box, the inner diameter of the connection section (30) and the inner diameter of the socket (32) as well as the width of the access opening in the direction transverse to the axis of the socket (32) being larger than the outer diameter of the housing (38) of the volumetric flow controller.