US20040157543A1 - Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills - Google Patents
Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills Download PDFInfo
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- US20040157543A1 US20040157543A1 US10/770,005 US77000504A US2004157543A1 US 20040157543 A1 US20040157543 A1 US 20040157543A1 US 77000504 A US77000504 A US 77000504A US 2004157543 A1 US2004157543 A1 US 2004157543A1
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- damper
- vane
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- 238000013517 stratification Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
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- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/06—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser
- F24F13/075—Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser having parallel rods or lamellae directing the outflow, e.g. the rods or lamellae being individually adjustable
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
- F24F11/79—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling the direction of the supplied air
Abstract
An air diffuser module for use as a part of an outlet, plenum, or register for conditioned air and to support, be supported by, or connected to another part of the outlet is provided. The module comprises a module frame and at least one trajectory vane pivotally mounted horizontally within the module frame with each trajectory vane having internal stand-off walls for stabilizing each trajectory vane and causing additional trajectory travel when in contact with an arching surface of the thermostatic bimetal. A thermostatic bimetal strip is secured within each trajectory vane for adjusting the angle of each trajectory vane relative to the module frame responding to the temperature of the supply conditioned air with an arched portion formed on the thermostatic bimetal strip. The module provides an energy saving air pattern by directing conditioned supply air to the proper elevation for mixing prior to the air entering an occupied zone and thereby reducing air temperature stratification.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/288,790, filed on Nov. 6, 2002, entitled “Automatic Modular Outlets for Conditioned Air, Dampers, and Modular Return Air Grills”.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to energy saving modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills and, more particularly, the invention relates to automatic modular outlets for conditioned air which adjust the directional flow of the conditioned air depending on the temperature of the supply conditioned air.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- The delivery of conditioned air into a space from a duct opening through an outlet in the ceiling or side walls requires the use of an air outlet that must enable the volume and direction of the air to be adjusted to ensure its proper distribution throughout the served space. The use of large capacity air conditioners has introduced new problems in diffusing conditioned air as they necessitate larger diffusers with the diffuser size depending on the capacity of the air conditioner and the size of the ceiling or wall mounted outlet but with the troublesome requirement that they be quiet in operation in spite of the increase in the volume of the conditioned air. By way of example, air conditioners rated at 75 tons or more capacity are commonly used at the present time and static pressures are often in the range of three (3) inches in order to accommodate the massive air distribution duct system.
- Accordingly, there exists a need for air outlets, particularly those that are air diffusers and registers, that are quiet in operation regardless of the capacity of the air conditioners or the static pressure in the system. Additionally, a need exists for air outlets of modular constructions thereof that make any size requirement easily attainable independently of the size of the outlet of the air duct or the capacity of the air conditioner with which the duct is in communication. Furthermore, there exists a need for air diffusers and registers which automatically adjust the airflow direction depending on the temperature of the conditioned air passing therethrough.
- The present invention is an air diffuser module for use as a part of an outlet, plenum, or register for conditioned air and to support, be supported by, or connected to another part of the outlet. The module comprises a module frame and at least one trajectory vane pivotally mounted horizontally within the module frame with each trajectory vane having internal stand-off walls for stabilizing each trajectory vane and causing additional trajectory travel when in contact with an arching surface of the thermostatic bimetal. A thermostatic bimetal strip is secured within each trajectory vane for adjusting the angle of each trajectory vane relative to the module frame responding to the temperature of the supply conditioned air with an arched portion formed on the thermostatic bimetal strip. The module provides an energy saving air pattern by directing conditioned supply air to the proper elevation for mixing prior to the air entering an occupied zone and thereby reducing air temperature stratification.
- In addition, the present invention includes an air diffuser for directing conditioned air. The air diffuser comprises vertical directing means for directing the conditioned air and horizontal directing means for directing the conditioned air with the horizontal directing means having a first wall and a second wall. An arched thermostatic bimetal adjusting means associated with the horizontal directing means and secured between the first wall and the second wall moves the horizontal directing means in an upward or downward direction responding to the temperature of the supply conditioned air thereby reducing mechanical system blower motor horsepower and static pressure requirements by using fewer ducts and outlet locations substantially saving energy of air distribution for a given air quantity.
- The present invention further includes an air diffuser module for use as a part of an outlet, plenum, or register for conditioned air and to support, be supported by, or connected to another part of the outlet. The module comprises a module frame and connection means for connecting adjacent module frames wherein the connection means includes a top module frame having a male pivot lock seal.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a ceiling mounted automatic supply air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a solid interchangeable bottom panel;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a ceiling mounted automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a partitioned grille bottom panel for receiving the return air;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a nominal two (2′) feet by two (2′) feet automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the automatic supply/return air diffuser of FIG. 3 taken along
line 4, constructed in accordance with the present invention; - FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a nominal two (2′) feet by four (4′) feet automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the automatic supply/return air diffuser of FIG. 6 taken along
line 6, constructed in accordance with the present invention; - FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustrating a nominal four (4′) feet by four (4′) feet automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the automatic supply/return air diffuser of FIG. 7 taken along
line 8, constructed in accordance with the present invention; - FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a grid ceiling with nominal two (2′) feet by two (2′) feet, two (2′) feet by four (4′) feet, and four (4′) feet by four (4′) feet air diffusers of FIGS. 3, 5, and7;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic supply/return air diffuser of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along
line 11, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with horizontally mounted trajectory vanes and adjustable deflection dampers pivotally mounted vertically within a module frame; - FIG. 11A is a sectional plan view illustrating another embodiment of the ceiling mounted automatic supply/return air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with horizontally mounted trajectory vanes and adjustable deflection dampers pivotally mounted vertically within a module frame;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the deflection dampers in a substantially closed position for maximizing airflow therethrough, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with an adjusting mechanism for opening and closing the dampers at the outlet face or within a duct;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the deflection dampers in a substantially open position for minimizing the airflow therethrough, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with an adjusting mechanism for opening and closing the dampers at the outlet face or within a duct;
- FIG. 14 is a sectional elevational view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic supply/return air diffuser of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along
line 14, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with horizontally mounted, automatically adjustable trajectory vanes pivotally mounted within the module frame; - FIG. 15 is a sectional expanded view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic plenum air diffuser of FIG. 14 taken along
line 15, constructed in accordance with the present invention; - FIG. 16 is a sectional expanded view illustrating another embodiment of the automatic plenum air diffuser of FIG. 14 taken along
line 15, constructed in accordance with the present invention; - FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic plenum air diffuser of FIG. 14 taken along
line 17, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially downward direction for the supply of heated air; - FIG. 17A is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the ceiling mounted automatic plenum air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially downward direction for the supply of heated air;
- FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic plenum air diffuser of FIG. 14 taken along
line 17, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially horizontal direction for the supply of recirculated air; - FIG. 18A is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the ceiling mounted automatic plenum air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially horizontal direction for the supply of recirculated air;
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating the ceiling mounted automatic air diffuser of FIG. 14 taken along
line 17, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially upward direction for the supply of cooled air; - FIG. 19A is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the ceiling mounted automatic air diffuser, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the trajectory vane being automatically directed in a substantially upward direction for the supply of cooled air;
- FIG. 20 is an elevational view illustrating the automatically adjusted supply air pattern trajectory;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the modular and automatic supply air register, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating the discharge pattern for a single module with the ceiling mounted automatic air diffuser;
- FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating the discharge pattern for a side-by-side module with the ceiling mounted automatic air diffuser;
- FIG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating the return air module and the return airflow trajectory vanes, mounted horizontally and vertically within a module frame, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 24A is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the return air module and the supply air module with a male connector end, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 25 is a sectional view illustrating the vertical mounting of the return airflow vanes, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a friction washer for maintaining the position of the vanes;
- FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment of horizontal mounting of the return airflow vanes, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a barbed fastener;
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of connected automatic supply registers or return air grilles, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the modular return air grille, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- As illustrated in FIGS.1-28, the present invention is an air diffuser or supply register, indicated generally at 10, incorporating a
mounting frame 11 for mounting to or within a suspended ceiling and sealed to an outlet end of a duct for conditioned air. Theair diffusers 10 of the present invention are designed to be modular such thatmultiple air diffusers 10 can be configured depending on the need of the consumer for conditioned air. U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,133, owned by the same owner of the present application, describes the mounting of an air diffuser to a ceiling and the modular capabilities and benefits, and is hereby herein incorporated by reference. - As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention includes amodule frame 12 having at least onedeflection damper 14 vertically mounted therein and at least onetrajectory vane 16 horizontally mounted therein. Both thedeflection dampers 14 and thetrajectory vanes 16 are pivotally mounted within themodule frame 12 to direct conditioned air in a variety of directions. The operation and construction of thedeflection dampers 14 and thetrajectory vanes 16 will be discussed in further detail below. - Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention, each
air diffuser 10 is a low-pressure plenum modular air outlet having aninterchangeable bottom panel 18 configured as an enclosed surface allowing the accumulation of static air pressure. The accumulation of static air pressure is sufficient to deliver a horizontal discharge of conditioned air from the outlet into a room or space. As understood by those skilled in the art, eight (8) nominal sized automatic supply modules can be used in multiples configuring at least seventeen (17) different ceiling air diffusers. - As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and10, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention includes abottom panel frame 20 for receiving theinterchangeable bottom panel 18. Preferably, thebottom panel frame 20 is an ell shapedchannel 25 sized and shaped for releasably receiving thebottom panel 18. Thebottom panel frame 20 of the air diffuser can actually receive a standard existing or modified ceiling panel 17 (FIG. 14) aesthetically matching the surrounding suspended ceiling. A primary function of thebottom panel frame 20 is to enable field assembly and disassembly of thelatch end 19 with thebottom latch channel 23 of themodule frame 12. When thelatch end 19 is assembled with thebottom latch channel 23 of the opposingmodules 12, the low-pressure plenum air outlet is locked together in an airtight operating position. Furthermore, thebottom panel frame 20 incorporates anopen tee channel 22 to provide for the assembly of mitered frame members using four ell shaped barbed corner keys 21. - As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, in a second embodiment, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention is a low pressure plenum modular air outlet having at least a portion of the bottom being an open partitionedgrille 24 surrounded by a non-partitioned extrudedbottom panel 26. Each of three sizes ofbottom panels 26 incorporate alatch end 19 to connect into thelatch cavity 23 of themodule frame 12, thereby securing opposing facingmodules 12 of theair diffuser 10. Furthermore, the three extrudedbottom panels 26 incorporate one or moreopen tee channels 22 to provide for the assembly of mitered frame members using four or more ell shaped barbed corner keys 21. The partitionedgrille 24 of theair diffuser 10 allows for center vertical air return thereby inhibiting the horizontal discharge of conditioned supply air being short cycled into the return air of the mechanical conditioning system. As discussed, theair diffuser 10 of the present embodiment incorporates a surrounding flat non-partitioned extrudedbottom panel 26 allowing the accumulation of supply static air pressure around a center return air duct sufficient to deliver a horizontal discharge of conditioned air from the outlet into a room or space. Eight (8) nominal size automatic supply modules are used in multiples configuring at least six (6) supply/return diffusers. - As illustrated in FIG. 10, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention includes a plenum/supplyreturn air frame 28 having a channel 30 with an upward extendingleg 32 to airtight connect an insulated sheet metal or fiberglassreturn air duct 29, which can be replaced with a different material. Furthermore, the plenum supply and returnair frame 28 incorporates anopen tee channel 22 to provide for the assembly of mitered frame members using four ell shaped barbed corner keys 21. - Referring directly to FIGS. 9 and 14, the mounting
frame 11 of theair diffuser 10 of the present invention incorporates a single flange for support by the suspendedceiling grid 13 of the architectural structure allowing theair diffuser 10 to drop into a typical 2′×2′, 2′×4′, 4′×4′, and 4′×8′ suspendedceiling grid system 13, or nominal equivalent metric sizes. - As illustrated in FIG. 14, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention includes the mountingframe 11 having an adequate standoff from the ceiling. This standoff of the mounting frame greatly reduces the entrainment of secondary room air and the subsequent deposits of smudge or dirt on the ceiling or near the conditioned air outlet. - The mounting
frame 11 of theair diffuser 10 is also designed for direct connection to, and suspension by, ametal 31 orfiberglass 29 conditioned air duct without the support of any ceiling system. The mountingframe 11 has a downwardangled leg 54 containing alatch channel 56 designed to receive and support a modular conditioned air outlet with a pivot locking and airtight connecting joint 57. Furthermore, the mountingframe 11 incorporates anopen tee channel 34 to provide for the assembly of mitered frame members using four ell shapedbarbed corner keys 33. - The modular frame design of the
air diffuser 10 is designed to join the module frames 12 ofadjacent air diffusers 10 by incorporating alatch channel 60 to allow a pivot locking and air tight connecting joint. A multiple assembly ofair diffuser modules 10 in stacked and/or side-by-side plenum supply air diffusers configurations use a double-edged pivot locking andair sealing connector 62. The double-edged pivot locking andair sealing connector 62 with elongated edges and latches allow for the field assembly of two or moreair diffuser modules 10. In fact, a variety of air diffuser module configurations allow the field expansion of air outlet capacity by adding modules to an existing plenum air outlet to satisfy increased load requirements of the room or space. No hand or power tools or fasteners for assembly of the air diffuser modules are required. - As illustrated in FIG. 24A, instead of a double-edged
pivot locking connector 62, in an alternative embodiment, atop module frame 15 is provided with a malepivot lock seal 63. The malepivot lock seal 63 utilizes male and female means of modularity using pivot-lock-seal to connect frame members and orients themale module frame 15 at the top for proper operation allowing positioning and indexing themodule frame 12 horizontally when joining module frames 12 vertically. - As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the module frame incorporates a tapered
wall splineway 64 to properly space and align theaxle pin 46 during assembly by compression. The deflectiondamper axle pin 46 with rounded (FIG. 15) or beveled and barbed ends (FIG. 16) align and fasten the pin into the module frameaxle pin splineway 64 during assembly by compression. Theaxle pin 46 maintains tension between the top and bottom module frame members after assembly by compression. - Furthermore, the module frame incorporates an
open tee channel 66 for providing a secure mounting for afriction strip 68 to maintain the desired position of thedeflection dampers 14. The deflectiondamper friction strip 68 slides into themodule frame channel 66 and has sufficient contact surface and durometer to maintain the full range of positions of the manuallyadjustable deflection dampers 14. Thedeflection damper 14 with the capability of eachdamper wall friction strip 68 being engaged at the top and bottom ends of each of thedeflection damper walls module frame 12 incorporates anopen tee channel 58 to provide for the assembly of mitered frame members using four ell shapedbarbed corner keys 59. - As illustrated in FIGS.11-13, the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention includes adeflection damper assembly 35 having at least onedeflection damper 14 pivotally and vertically mounted relative to themodule frame 12. Preferably, there are a plurality ofdeflection dampers 14 pivotally mounted along the horizontal length of themodule frame 12. - Each
deflection damper 14 has afirst damper wall 36 and asecond damper wall 38 independently pivotable relative to each other. Both thefirst damper wall 36 and thesecond damper wall 38 have a first end 40 with the first end (male end) 40 of thefirst damper wall 36 being positioned within the first end (female end) 42 of thesecond damper wall 38 and mounted together in a pivoting fashion. When positioned together, the second ends 43 of thefirst damper wall 36 and thesecond damper wall 38 have a radius greater than the radius of the first ends 40 of thefirst damper wall 36 and thedamper wall 36 and 42 of thesecond damper wall 38. As illustrated, eachdeflection damper 14 is positioned such that the large radius of the second ends 43 of eachdeflection damper 14 is in first contact with the stream of conditioned supply air and the radii of the first ends 40 and 42 of each deflection damper is positioned on the leaving or downstream edge. - The
first damper wall 36 and thesecond damper wall 38 of eachdeflection damper 14 are moveable in a general direction toward and away from each other causing the airstream of conditioned air to eddy into the space between the large radius leading second ends 43 andfirst damper wall 36 andsecond damper wall 38 of thedeflection damper 14. With the eddying airstream, the air is quietly cushioned and forms a larger radius of the leadingsecond end 43 thereby providing an airfoil shape over the full range of air flow across each of thedeflection dampers 14 in thedeflection damper assembly 35. - Preferably, the
deflection damper assembly 35 has anaxle pin splineway 44 and extended cavity depth on the first or male end 40 of thefirst damper wall 36 and assembled along its length with a counterpart first or female end 42 of thesecond damper wall 38 allowing a maximum travel adjustment on the larger radius leading second ends 43. Thedeflection damper 14 is pivotable around anaxle pin 46 inserted into theaxle pin splineway 44 when used in multiples thereby allowing individual manual adjustment of thedeflection damper 14 of the extended air flow surface for the precise control of the spread air pattern from zero (0°) degrees to one hundred and twenty (120°) degrees of angle to the outlet face of the conditioned supply air into a room or space. - Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the deflection dampers, when used in multiples at the outlet face or within a supply air duct, are connected by mechanically operated
linkage 48. The deflection dampers 14 have allfirst damper walls 36 operated from atop linkage 50 and allsecond damper walls 38 operated from abottom linkage 52 thereby providing the quiet reduction and dampening of air flow when located at the outlet face or inside an air duct. Thedeflection damper assembly 35 when used in multiples ofdeflection dampers 14 can be adjusted between maximum flow of conditioned supply air (FIG. 12) and reducing or completely stopping the flow of conditioned supply air (FIG. 13) betweenadjacent deflection dampers 14 with a directly corresponding reduction of the sound power level to the reduced air flow. - As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 17-19, each
deflection damper 14 has severalhorizontal slits 70 cut through the walls around the axle pin area for facilitating assembly and operation of a thermostaticbimetal device 72 while allowing free travel for the manual positioning of thedeflection damper 14. The thermostaticbimetal device 72 has afirst edge 74 mounted through the deflection damper slits 70 perpendicular to and secured by one or more axle pins 46 and asecond edge 78 engaged with the multipleposition trajectory vane 16. The thermostaticbimetal device 72 senses and responds to the changing temperature of conditioned supply air through a flexing cantilever mechanical action thereby arching and provides a maximum of trajectory travel between thebimetal edges - As illustrated in FIGS. 11A, 17A,18A, and 19A, in another embodiment of the present invention, the
bimetal device 72 includes anarched portion 73. Thearched portion 73 of thebimetal device 72 stiffens thefirst edge 74 of thebimetal device 72 and provides a precise engineering design for the thermal deflection energy for trajectory and additional travel (upward and downward) of thetrajectory vane 16.Indentations 75 formed on thebimetal device 72 provide for additional holding strength for attachment of each trajectory vane's 16 interior channel. Furthermore, thebimetal device 72 with thearched portion 73 provides quicker automatic changeover from heating to recirculation to cooling and vice versa and halves the response time and doubles the overall vector travel of thetrajectory vane 16 from thermal deflection. - The multiple
position trajectory vane 16 incorporates aninternal splineway 84 to engage the trajectory travel edge orsecond edge 78 of the thermostaticbimetal device 72. Eachtrajectory vane 16 has internal stand-off walls 71 which stabilize thetrajectory vane 16 during high air flow conditions and causes additional trajectory travel when in contact with the arching surface of the thermostaticbimetal device 72. - In addition, each
trajectory vane 16 incorporates an internalcurved splineway 86 to mount and form a bearingsurface 86 onaxle pin 85 to allow rotation of thetrajectory vane 16. The trajectory vane mounting bearingsurface 86 holds an axle pin 85 (FIG. 11) in each end of the multipleposition trajectory vane 16 and having theopposite axle pin 85 end engaged into a socket in the module frame side members. Each multipleposition trajectory vane 16, when pivoted on the vane mounting bearingsurface 86 by the arching and flexing action of the thermostaticbimetal device 72, resets the trajectory of the air being discharged: downward for warmer air, horizontally for circulated air, and upwardly for cooler air. - The multiple
position trajectory vane 16 has an airfoil shape with thelarge radius edge 80 in first contact with the stream of conditioned supply air and thesmall radius edge 82 as the leaving or downstream edge resulting in the reduction of eddies and accompanying sound power levels. The small radiusdownstream edge 82 reduces air eddies that cause drag and a pressure drop across the outlet face even with a high module face velocity. - In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 18A, and19A, the
arched portion 73 of thebimetal device 72 replaces a portion of one of the large radius edges 80 of thetrajectory vane 16 and achieves the same reduction of eddies and accompanying sound power levels. - With the
air diffuser 10 of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23, a low-pressure plenum or modular automatic register outlet provides an energy saving air pattern by properly directing the conditioned supply air automatically to the proper elevation zone of a room or space thereby reducing air temperature stratification and drafts in the occupied zone. - As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 27, a flat surface single or multiple assembly of modules in stacked and/or side-by-side register configurations using the
latch connector 62 to form an automatic register air outlet with inherent manually adjustable deflection dampers and automatic trajectory control. Eight nominal automatic supply modules are used in multiples to configure at least forty-one (41) modular automatic register outlets. - As illustrated in FIG. 26, the return
air grille modules 95 of the present invention includes amodule frame 12, with alternative uses of the channels and internal splineways. - As further illustrated in FIGS. 24, 27, and28, a return
air grille module 95 and returnair vanes 96 can be used in multiple horizontal and/or vertical configurations. Thereturn air vane 96 has a streamlined air profile and incorporating aninternal splineway 98 for anaxle pin 46 and axis mounting to the returnair grille module 95. Thereturn air vane 96 incorporates vertical and vertically inclined internal surfaces that provide additional elongated structural integrity beyond that of a solid profile. - As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the return
air grille modules 95 of the present invention includes a return airvane friction washer 102 used at the mounting end of each verticalreturn air vane 96 having a sufficient diameter and durometer to allow field repositioning and to hold the set position of thereturn air vane 96 after assembly by compression. - As illustrated in FIG. 26, the return
air grille modules 95 of the present invention includes mounting thereturn air vane 96 in a horizontal position by using aperforated friction strip 104 for the accurate spacing on the side members of the module with round shank pins 106 engaged into the ends of each returnair vane splineway 98 and in a horizontal position during assembly by compression. - A flat surface single or multiple assembly of return
air grille modules 95 in multiple stacked and/or side-by-side configurations using the pivot-locking and air sealing connector 62 (FIG. 24) and side wall mounting frame 97 (FIG. 24) form the return air grille. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, in multiples, four nominal size return air modules are used to configure at least forty-five (45) return air grilles. As further illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, common sizes of sidewall mounting frames 97 are used for both theautomatic register modules 12 and the returnair grille modules 95, thereby reducing the product line inventory. The sidewall mounting frame 97 can also be used for ceiling applications. - In sum, the present invention is an
air diffuser outlet 10 for distributing conditioned air to interior spaces, with a multiple configuration and applications as supply air registers, supply air low pressure plenums, supply and return air diffusers, and return air grilles. The low pressure plenummodular air outlet 10 provides an energy saving air pattern by directing conditioned supply air to the proper elevation for mixing prior to the air entering an occupied zone thereby reducing air temperature stratification and drafts. Furthermore, the low pressure plenummodular air outlet 10 reduces the mechanical system blower motor horsepower and static pressure requirements by using fewer ducts and outlet locations substantially saving energy of air distribution for a given air quantity. - Means are provided to enable a common extrusion frame to mechanically and air tight connect supply or return air modules to various mounting frames or adjacent modules for multiple horizontal, vertical, or perpendicular applications. A module frame for the
air diffuser 10 incorporates slide members angled to allow corner assembly with another module and forming an air pocket to prevent air leaking at the corners of a pressured plenum. - Each supply air module face has provision for manually adjusting the air pattern “spread” from zero (0°) degrees to one hundred and twenty (120°) degrees of angle to the outlet face (sixty (60°) degrees left, sixty (60°) degrees right), using a multiple of deflection dampers, which can also be set to manually control the air volume or “throw” from zero (0%) percent to one hundred (100%) percent, with a direct reduction of the sound power level occurring as the volume is reduced or completely stopped, and having provisions for common linkage operators, when the deflection dampers are used in an air duct or supply frame module.
- Each supply air module face also has provision to automatically sense the temperature of the stream of conditioned air being supplied to a room or space, and respond by adjusting the “drop” air pattern to a downward trajectory for warm air, a horizontal trajectory for circulated air, or an upward trajectory for cool air, thereby reducing or eliminating drafts in the occupied zone.
- Four-sided low pressure plenum applications with integral deflection dampers provide three hundred and sixty (360°) degree manual control of the air pattern spread and volume, providing an optional one, two, three, or four way discharge, and automatic horizontal air pattern trajectory response and adjustment to temperature change-over from heating to cooling.
- The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.
Claims (21)
1. An air diffuser module for use as a part of an outlet, plenum, or register for conditioned air and to support, be supported by, or connected to another part of the outlet, the module comprising:
a module frame;
at least one trajectory vane pivotally mounted horizontally within the module frame, each trajectory vane having internal stand-off walls for stabilizing each trajectory vane and causing additional trajectory travel when in contact with an arching surface of the thermostatic bimetal;
a thermostatic bimetal strip secured within each trajectory vane for adjusting the angle of each trajectory vane relative to the module frame responding to the temperature of the supply conditioned air; and
an arched portion on the thermostatic bimetal strip;
thereby providing an energy saving air pattern by directing conditioned supply air to the proper elevation for mixing prior to the air entering an occupied zone and thereby reducing air temperature stratification.
2. The air diffuser module of claim 1 , and further comprising:
at least one deflection damper pivotally mounted vertically within the module frame.
3. The air diffuser module of claim 2 wherein each deflection damper has a first damper wall and a second damper wall, each having a first end and a second end with the first ends of each damper wall being mounted together about a common pivot point such that the second ends of each damper wall are moveable in a general direction toward and away from each other.
4. The air diffuser module of claim 3 wherein, when positioned together, the second ends of the first damper wall and the second damper wall have a radius greater than the radius of the first ends of the first damper wall and the second damper wall, the second ends of each deflection damper being in first contact with the stream of conditioned air.
5. The air diffuser module of claim 2 wherein each deflection damper is adjustable for a spread air pattern from zero (0°) degrees to one hundred and twenty (120°) degrees of angle.
6. The air diffuser module of claim 2 wherein adjacent deflection dampers are adjustable to reduce or completely stop the flow of conditioned supply air between adjacent deflection dampers resulting in a directly corresponding reduction of the sound power level to the flow of supply air.
7. The air diffuser module of claim 1 wherein each trajectory vane has internal stand-off walls for stabilizing each trajectory vane and causing additional trajectory travel when in contact with an arching surface of the thermostatic bimetal.
8. The air diffuser module of claim 1 wherein the arching and flexing action of the thermostatic bimetal resets the trajectory of the air being discharged: downward for warmer air, horizontally for circulated air and upward for cooler air.
9. The air diffuser module of claim 1 wherein each trajectory vane has a substantially airfoil shape with a large radius edge in first contact with the stream of conditioned air.
10. The air diffuser module of claim 1 and further comprising:
connection means for connecting adjacent module frames wherein the connection means includes a double-edged pivot locking and air sealing connector having elongated edges and latches for allowing field assembly of two or more air diffuser modules.
11. The air diffuser module of claim 1 and further comprising:
connection means for connecting adjacent module frames wherein the connection means includes a top module frame having a male pivot lock seal.
12. The air diffuser module of claim 1 wherein the bimetal strip includes indentations.
13. The air diffuser module of claim 1 wherein eight modules are usable in multiples to configure at least sixty-four (64) distinct ceiling diffusers or sidewall registers.
14. The air diffuser module of claim 1 and further comprising:
at least one horizontal return vane and at least one vertical return vane for configuring a return air module.
15. The air diffuser module of claim 14 wherein four return air modules are usable in multiples to configure at least forty-five (45) distinct return air grilles.
16. An air diffuser for directing conditioned air, the air diffuser comprising:
vertical directing means for directing the conditioned air;
horizontal directing means for directing the conditioned air, the horizontal directing means having a first wall and a second wall; and
an arched thermostatic bimetal adjusting means associated with the horizontal directing means and secured between the first wall and the second wall for moving the horizontal directing means in an upward or downward direction responding to the temperature of the supply conditioned air;
thereby reducing mechanical system blower motor horsepower and static pressure requirements by using fewer ducts and outlet locations substantially saving energy of air distribution for a given air quantity.
17. The air diffuser of claim 16 wherein the vertical directing means includes at least one damper, each damper having a first damper wall pivotally connected to a second damper wall at one end, the other ends of the damper walls movable toward and away from each other.
18. The air diffuser of claim 17 wherein the second ends of the first damper wall and the second damper walls have a radius greater than the radius of the first ends of the first damper wall and the second damper wall, the second ends of each damper being in first contact with the stream of conditioned air.
19. The air diffuser of claim 17 wherein adjacent deflection dampers are adjustable to reduce or completely stop the flow of conditioned supply air between adjacent deflection dampers.
20. The air diffuser of claim 16 wherein the horizontal directing means includes at least one trajectory vane.
21. An air diffuser module for use as a part of an outlet, plenum, or register for conditioned air and to support, be supported by, or connected to another part of the outlet, the module comprising:
a module frame;
connection means for connecting adjacent module frames wherein the connection means includes a top module frame having a male pivot lock seal.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/770,005 US20040157543A1 (en) | 2002-11-06 | 2004-02-02 | Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/288,790 US6685556B1 (en) | 2002-11-06 | 2002-11-06 | Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills |
US10/770,005 US20040157543A1 (en) | 2002-11-06 | 2004-02-02 | Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/288,790 Continuation-In-Part US6685556B1 (en) | 2002-11-06 | 2002-11-06 | Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040157543A1 true US20040157543A1 (en) | 2004-08-12 |
Family
ID=46300783
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/770,005 Abandoned US20040157543A1 (en) | 2002-11-06 | 2004-02-02 | Automatic modular outlets for conditioned air, dampers, and modular return air grills |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20040157543A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US20100224688A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2010-09-09 | Tomohiro Yabu | Humidity control apparatus and ventilation apparatus |
US20100317277A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-12-16 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Air outlet |
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US20130109294A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Atwood Mobile Products Llc | Vent cover |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AIRSENSE CORPORATION, COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BERTIN, IRA L.;REEL/FRAME:016357/0878 Effective date: 20041231 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |