Systems and methods for controlling air properties in structures and inhibiting moisture accumulation and mold propagation in structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively reduce, inhibit, or eliminate water and moisture accumulation and mold growth in exterior and interior walls of habitable structures, leading to potential damage and health issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of air passageways within walls, coupled with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that supplies conditioned air through controlled valves and nozzles, along with strategically placed weep holes, to dry and maintain a uniform temperature and moisture level, thereby reducing moisture accumulation and inhibiting mold growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air passageways and HVAC system are implemented to control moisture and temperature, then mold growth is inhibited and indoor health is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is segmented to include dedicated air passageways that separate the interior living space from the exterior environment. These passageways allow controlled air flow through the wall cavity, enabling moisture management and temperature control without affecting the main living spaces, thus reducing mold growth while maintaining system organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary HVAC system that acts as a mediator between the interior and exterior environments. This system controls air flow through the wall passageways, managing moisture and temperature conditions to prevent mold growth without requiring direct modification of the wall structure itself, thereby balancing effectiveness with controlled complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If conditioned air is supplied through passageways to dry walls and maintain uniform temperature, then moisture accumulation is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system applies conditioned air locally to specific wall passageways where moisture accumulation is detected or anticipated, rather than conditioning entire rooms. This localized approach dries wall cavities and maintains uniform temperature where needed while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary conditioning of occupied spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous, low-level air flow through wall passageways to prevent moisture accumulation rather than using intermittent high-energy drying cycles. This continuous action keeps moisture content at acceptable levels through steady evaporation and air exchange, reducing peak energy demands while maintaining effective moisture control.
3Temperature
If valves and nozzles are used to control air flow into and through passageways, then moisture and temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs valves and nozzles to dynamically change air flow parameters (flow rate, direction, pressure) through the wall passageways. These parameter adjustments enable precise control of temperature uniformity and moisture removal in different wall sections, achieving effective environmental control while using relatively simple mechanical components rather than complex electronic systems.
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 effectively dries and maintains the moisture and temperature levels within walls, preventing mold growth and ensuring a healthier indoor environment by continuously adjusting air flow to maintain uniform conditions.
Implementation Method 1
supplying conditioned air into the flow passageway by the HVAC unit controlled by valves and/or nozzles to dry or reduce or inhibit moisture accumulation in the walls, to maintain a certain moisture content in the walls, and/or to maintain a substantially uniform temperature in interior spaces
Data Source
AI summary
A structure comprises at least one outer wall having an internal wall section and an outer wall section with an air flow passage therebetween. A circulation system circulates air through the flow passage to inhibit moisture accumulation and mold growth. A sensing system determines the presence of moisture in the flow passage and generates a signal in response thereto. A controller receives the signal from the sensing system and controls the circulation system to maintain a predetermined temperature and relative humidity in the flow passage.