Window comprising a modular drum valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for buildings with double windows are complex, expensive, and difficult to operate efficiently, often requiring manual adjustment and being unsuitable for standard window frames, leading to suboptimal air circulation and energy management.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve system comprising interchangeable preheating and bypass units with rotatable throttles and thermal actuators, allowing for flexible configuration and stepless control of air flow, suitable for installation in standard window frames, enabling efficient ventilation and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shutters or sliding doors are used for ventilation control, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the operation is not optimal and requires manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating thermal hydraulic actuators that automatically adjust the throttle valves based on temperature differentials between indoor and outdoor air. The system uses the temperature gradient itself to drive the adjustment mechanism without requiring external power or manual intervention, achieving both simplicity and optimal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal hydraulic actuators incorporate feedback mechanisms where the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air directly influences the position of the throttle valves. The system continuously responds to changing temperature conditions, automatically optimizing ventilation flow rates based on real-time environmental conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex cartridge systems with multiple actuators are used, then ventilation control is more precise, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of ventilation control from complex multi-actuator systems and implements it through a single integrated thermal hydraulic actuator per valve. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on the core temperature-driven control mechanism, the system achieves precise flow control with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal hydraulic actuators serve multiple functions simultaneously: they sense temperature differences, convert thermal energy to mechanical motion, and directly adjust the throttle valve position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing and actuation components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Volume of moving object
If thermal hydraulic actuators are positioned inside the cartridge, then the system is compact, but the response time is slow due to internal temperature sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the thermal hydraulic actuators externally on the window frame rather than internally within the cartridge assembly. This spatial reconfiguration allows the actuators to directly sense external temperature conditions and respond more rapidly, while the compact cartridge design is maintained through separate mounting of the valve mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are used in window frame, then ventilation control is more comprehensive, but the frame height requirement increases and reduces window area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the preheating unit, bypass unit, and drive unit into a single integrated modular assembly that can be installed in the window frame. This merging of functions into one compact unit provides comprehensive ventilation control (preheating, bypass, and direct ventilation) without requiring multiple separate components that would increase frame height requirements.
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 modular system provides flexible and efficient ventilation control, optimizing air circulation and energy use while minimizing costs and complexity, allowing for automatic or manual operation based on temperature and other environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal actuator, where said thermal actuator is connected to said drum valve and said thermal actuator is adapted to rotate said drum valve about its rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation device for ventilating a room in a building, the building having a window with at least two essentially parallel panes of glass, the at least two panes of glass being arranged in a common frame, casement or sash, thus forming the window, e.g., a double window, where the at least two panes of glass are arranged with a distance, and thus appear with an air space between the panes of glass, the window further having an intake opening communicating with the air space and with either the interior or the exterior of the building, where the ventilation device further has a preheating unit with a first chassis and a first throttle, where the first chassis has a first opening communicating with the interior of the building, a second opening communicating with the exterior of the building and a third opening communicating with the air space.