Window Ventilation Duct with Phase-Change Material Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for reliable and automated ventilation in buildings to prevent mold formation, which requires a system that can regulate airflow effectively, especially in areas like basements where ventilation needs to be closed in summer and opened in winter.
Innovation Solution
A window-like building opening with a ventilation duct and a temperature sensor using phase change materials to adjust the duct's cross-section automatically based on temperature, allowing for maximum ventilation in winter and minimal ventilation in summer, without the need for electrical energy or active control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated ventilation control is implemented to prevent mold growth, then ventilation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor with phase-change material automatically adjusts the ventilation duct cross-section based on detected temperature, enabling the system to regulate itself without external control signals or power sources. The phase-change material's volume change directly actuates the adjustable element, creating a self-service control mechanism that improves reliability while avoiding complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic or pneumatic control systems with a purely mechanical temperature sensing mechanism. The phase-change material undergoes solid-liquid transition at specific temperatures, and this phase change directly drives the mechanical adjustment of the ventilation duct, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and power supplies associated with electronic systems.
2Length of moving object
If the piston axis runs parallel to the frame to maximize travel range, then the travel range of the temperature sensor is improved, but the space requirement in the window rebate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth) of the window rebate by positioning the temperature sensor within the rebate space rather than only utilizing the surface area. The piston axis oriented parallel to the frame allows the sensor to extend into the depth of the rebate, maximizing travel range while efficiently using the available three-dimensional space.
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 provides self-sufficient, energy-efficient, and reliable temperature-dependent ventilation control, ensuring effective airflow in buildings while maintaining a tight seal and preventing damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor comprises a phase-change material which changes its phase state at a transition temperature or in a transition temperature range, in particular its aggregate state
Implementation Method 2
When the phase change material changes its phase state, this is usually associated with a significant change in volume. If the phase change material expands due to the phase change, it can overcome the spring force and thereby deflect the adjustable element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A window-like building opening (2) has a frame (3) connected to an exterior wall (5) of the building (1) and a sash (4) hinged to the frame (3), forming a window rebate (6). The frame (3) and the sash (4) are sealed against each other by means of at least one gasket (8). The building opening (2) has a ventilation duct (9) through which air (10) can flow between the environment of the building (1) and the interior of the building (1). An adjustable element (11) is arranged in the ventilation duct (9), by means of which the effective cross-section (Q) of the ventilation duct (9) can be varied between a minimum and a maximum value. The building opening (2) has a temperature sensor (13) that adjusts the effective cross-section (Q) of the ventilation duct (9) depending on the temperature (T) detected by the temperature sensor (13).The temperature sensor (13) comprises a phase-change material (14) that changes its phase state, in particular its state of matter, at a transformation temperature (T0) or within a transformation temperature range (Tl). The position of the adjustable element (11), which influences the effective cross-section (Q) of the ventilation duct (9), depends on the phase state of the phase-change material (14).