Volumetric Coupling With Differential Pressure Airflow Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airflow measurement methods in ventilation units suffer from pressure loss, energy loss, space requirements, and reduced accuracy due to clogging from dust and water condensate, and require continuous measurement to maintain constant airflow.

Innovation Solution

A volumetric coupling with a high-pressure and low-pressure chamber, connected by holes and apertures, measures airflow using differential pressure principles, minimizing space and pressure loss by positioning the pressure transducer on the suction side and using a funnel shape to enhance measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measurement assembly is used to measure airflow continuously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pressure loss and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow measurement accuracyVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the measurement function from a separate measurement assembly and integrates it into the volumetric coupling itself. The volumetric coupling uses the airflow passage as the measurement structure, with pressure taps directly on the coupling body, eliminating the need for additional measurement components that would cause pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement function is merged with the airflow guidance function in a single integrated component - the volumetric coupling. The coupling serves both to guide airflow and to measure it, with pressure taps positioned on the coupling body itself, combining two functions into one structure to reduce overall system complexity and pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a measurement assembly is installed to measure airflow, then measurement capability is improved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow measurement capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is merged with the airflow guidance function in a single integrated component - the volumetric coupling. The coupling serves both to guide airflow and to measure it, with pressure taps positioned on the coupling body itself, combining two functions into one structure to reduce overall system complexity and pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The volumetric coupling is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously guides airflow and performs measurement. The same structural element that directs air flow also contains the pressure taps and serves as the measurement reference, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a measurement assembly is used to measure airflow, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the assembly becomes clogged due to dust and water condensate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidclogging resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the measurement function from a separate measurement assembly and integrates it into the volumetric coupling itself. The volumetric coupling uses the airflow passage as the measurement structure, with pressure taps directly on the coupling body, eliminating the need for additional measurement components that would cause pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harm of dust and water condensate accumulation into a benefit by positioning pressure taps on the outer surface of the volumetric coupling where they are less susceptible to clogging. The airflow pattern created by the coupling also helps prevent accumulation in the measurement regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution provides accurate airflow measurement with minimal space and pressure loss, reduces clogging, and enables efficient control of airflow by positioning the pressure transducer on the suction side, ensuring precise airflow regulation.

Implementation Method 1

A volumetric coupling with a high-pressure and low-pressure chamber, connected by holes and apertures, measures airflow using differential pressure principles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4632331A1A volumetric coupling, a ventilator chamber, and a ventilation unit with said volumetric coupling

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SWEGON AS

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

A volumetric coupling (1) for guiding an airflow and enabling better measurement of said airflow, the volumetric coupling (1) comprising: - an outer frame face (13) and an inner duct face (12), wherein the faces (12, 13) define a duct (11) narrowing from the outer frame face (13) to the inner duct face (12), the volumetric coupling (1) being adapted for an airflow in a flow direction (2) along the narrowing of the duct (11); - a high-pressure chamber (24) and a low-pressure chamber (25), wherein the chambers (24, 25) at least partially envelop the duct (11); - a first set of holes (14) arranged on the outer frame face (13), the first set of holes (14) being connected to the high-pressure chamber (24); - a second set of holes (15) arranged on the inner duct face (12), the second set of holes (15) being connected to the low-pressure chamber (25); and - a first aperture (34) connected to the high-pressure chamber (24) and a second aperture (35) connected to the low-pressure chamber (25), the apertures (34,35) being configured for connection to a pressure transducer (30).