US3594922A

US3594922A - Technical display model

Info

Publication number: US3594922A
Application number: US873965A
Authority: US
Inventors: William L Ellis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-11-04
Filing date: 1969-11-04
Publication date: 1971-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 1988-07-27

Abstract

The invention pertains to an architectural technical display model for the purpose of demonstrating architectural and HVAC mechanical systems which will maximize the effectiveness of an air curtain entrance way. The display model disassembles into convenient modules including a portable power unit to facilitate transportation and incorporates a number of novel constructional features which enhance the demonstrative effectiveness of such architectural display models.

Description

United States Patent Inventor William L. Ellis 2876 Pease Drive. Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Appl. No. 873,965

Filed Nov. 4, 1969 Patented July 27,1971

TECHNICAL DISPLAY MODEL 26 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

Int. Cl 00% 25/04 Field of Search 35/13, 16,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,228,371 l/I94l Shaw 35/13 Primary Examiner-Harland S. Skogquist Attorney-Farley. Forster and Farley ABSTRACT: The invention pertains to an architectural technical display model for the purpose of demonstrating architectural and HVAC mechanical systems which will maximize the effectiveness of an air curtain entrance way. The display model disassembles into convenient modules including a portable power unit to facilitate transportation and incorporates a number of novel constructional features which enhance the demonstrative effectiveness of such architectural display models.

PATENTEDJULZYIQYI 3.594.922

' SHEET 3 OF 4 Q INVENTOR ATTORNEYS TECHNICAL DISPLAY MODEL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The air curtain entranceway has become very popular for commercial structures such as banks and supermarkets for which they are architecturally pleasing and inviting. However, problems have arisen with both exterior wind currents from weather conditions and also interior air currents due to improper HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) systems resulting in relative ineffectiveness of the air curtain. Through experience it has been learned that a commercial building must be properly designed and constructed to accommodate an effective air curtain entranceway. Otherwise large losses may result in the HVAC system for the building and the environmental conditions inside the building may be sufficiently abnormal to affect the performance of employees and comfort of customers. The present architectural technical display model has been developed to demonstrate the proper conditions and requirements for use of an air door in a structure such as a supermarket. Such display models are principally constructed of Plexiglass which incorporate all the significant architectural features in one unit mounted on a table top with folding legs which serves as a carrying case. The table tops are about 4 feet by 6 feet and the display model essentially covers the entire top with a folded depth of approximately 1 foot. The motors and controls to demonstrate the HVAC system have been made as a detachable unit to facilitate portability and transportation since the resulting structures fully assembled are extremely heavy'to handle and carry.

Certain mechanical features of the display models such as various doors inside the models are remote controlled. Nylon string and return spring arrangements have been used but it has been found preferable to devise more positive controls. It has also been found highly desirable to provide for an external wind from a variable direction against the air curtain entranceway to simulate actual weather conditions with different wind velocities and directions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention utilizes a model principally made of Plexiglass of a supermarket equipped with an air curtain entranceway and mounted on a table top approximately 4 feet by 6 feet with folding legs. However, the fan motors for the HVAC system and also the air curtain are located in a removable module that also includes the various rheostats and switch controls for the entire display model. Special sealsare provided between the module and the display model so that when the module is in place, there is no leakage in the duct work. An external fan is provided on a hinged mounting at the air curtain entranceway to provide a wind flow controllable in both speed and direction at the entrance to the display model. This external fan is controlled by one of the rheostats on the removable HVAC module. Another fan may be handheld at any position so as to direct the wind at the display model from any direction at any speed desired within the capability ofthc equipment. This second fan is to demonstrate the effect of wind velocity and direction upon the external roof-mounted air supply to the HVAC system for the display model.

The technical display model incorporates a plurality of small wind indicators located at various locations within the display model such as in front of the freezer chests or in front of the checkout counters. Other wind indicators are located within the duct work and near various doorways within the model. The doors themselves are operated by remote control linkages including either a rack and pinion configuration or lever arm configuration. The control buttons for the doors are all grouped together along one side of the table top near the controls for the HVAC module. In summary then, the heavy components of the technical display model such as the two external fans and the HVAC module with the controls are all easily removable from the model facilitating single person transport from location to location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an overall perspective of the technical display model;

FIG. 2 is a perspective detail of one comer ofthe model of FIG. 1 with the HVAC module removed, taken along the line 2, and showing the ducting leading from the module area;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional elevation taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional elevation ofthe module taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevation taken along the line 5 of FIG. 4 showing the various controls on the module.

FIG. 6 is a detail enlarged perspective view ofa typical wind indicator;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective detail of the door-control buttons taken from the direction of the arrow 7 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view ofa typical lever arm door actuator;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the door actuator depicted in FIG. 8 and taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. I0 is a fragmentary plan view of an alternate rack and pinion actuated door opener which also may be used in the technical display model.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 the display model 20 is permanently fastened to a table top 22. The table top 22 has folding legs and a handle not shown but provided in a conventional manner so that the display model may be conveniently carried. The display model 20 is constructed principally of Plexiglass so that the interior features may be clearly seen. This is necessary because the display model must be as tightly sealed as an actual building since an operating HVAC system is demonstrated. This particular display model represents a supermarket. However, the concepts embodied in the display model are equally applicable to other kinds of buildings. Inside the display model 20 are located such conventional itemsas freezer chests 24 and checkout counters 26. The floor plan of the model is typical for a supermarket with a dividing wall 28 located between the shopping area and the storage and receiving area 30. Exterior double doors 32 are provided for the storage and receiving area and interior double doors 34 are provided in the dividing wall 28. An opening 29 that may be closed by remote control is provided in the dividing wall 28 near the roof to simulate a defective architectural feature when it is open.

An air curtain main entranceway 36 is provided since the purpose of this display model is to demonstrate the proper HVAC and architectural features necessary to maximize the usefulness of an air curtain entranceway. Wind indicators 38 are placed throughout the display model to indicate air current direction in important locations. Alternate and undesirable roof ventilators 40 such as might be found on typical supermarkets are also provided to help demonstrate HVAC systems. Ducting 42 is provided in the ceiling of the display model over the shopping area as in a typical supermarket. The ducting 42 leads from ducting 44 in the storage and receiving area 30. The ducting 44 in turn is connected to the HVAC module 46 in the corner of the display model. The HVAC module 46 contains all the motor-driven HVAC equipment and controls for the display model and as will be described later is removable from the display model so as to make the display model as light as possible for carrying purposes. An external air inlet and damper box 48 is provided on top of the HVAC module. The HVAC module 46 also supplies air through ducts 48 and 50 to the air curtain entranceway 36. In order to demonstrate the effect of external wind upon the operation of the HVAC system in the display model,

external fans

52 and 54 are provided. The handheld fan 54 may be held at any position about the display model and plugged in to a rheostat located in the HVAC module 46 so that the simulated wind velocity may be changed. The other fan 52 is mounted on hinged and removable brackets 56 and 58. The fan 52 may also be controlled by a rheostat located in the HVAC module 46 so that various wind velocities directed at the air curtain entranceway 36 may be simulated. The hinge 60 is provided with a knurled screw 62 in order to aim and retain the wind direction at the entranceway 36. The bracket 58 is retained in a T-slot 64 with a second knurled screw 66. Thus the fan 52 may be easily disassembled from the table top 22.

In FIG. 2 a detail of the corner of the display model and table 22 is shown with the HVAC module 46 removed. The air supplying duct 44 leads from an upwardly opening fitting designated B-1. The upwardly opening fitting B-2 for the return air from the shopping area is mounted on the dividing wall 28 and is open through the dividing wall as shown in FIG. 1. A second opening C in the dividing wall 28 is for the building exhaust air. Upwardly opening pipes designated A connect with the ducts 48 and 50 in FIG. 1 for the air curtain entranceway. The bottom of the HVAC module fits into the socket 68 in the top of the table 22. Each of the upwardly opening fittings B-1 and B-2 and pipes A are provided with silicone gaskets to seal the air supply ductwork when the HVAC module is in place. The weight of the module helps to insure that proper sealing occurs and this is the primary reason for the upwardly opening fittings and pipes.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 the module is shown cut away and in place with respect to the display model. The HVAC module consists of a plenum chamber 70 containing the mechanical systems. On top of the module is the outside air supply and damper unit 48. The outside air supply enters through an elbow 72 which may swivel 360 at 74. Inside the unit are two

dampers

76 and 78 which provide for the proportioning of outside makeup air with return air. The return air enters at fitting B-2 and passes upward through the duct 80 into the unit 48. The

dampers

76 and 78 are set with knobs 82 on the outside ofthe unit 48. The mixed air passes downwardly through duct 84 and through building supply air fan 86. The building supply air then passes from the fan 86 through the duct 88, fitting B-1 and into duct 44. Silicone gaskets are located at joints 90 for fitting B-1 and 92 for fitting B-2. The air curtain entranceway is supplied by fan 94. Return air from duct 50 enters through duct 96 and leaves the fan 94 through duct 98. From duct 98 the air passes through duct 48 to the air curtain entranceway.

Ducts

96 and 98 fit over the upwardly standing pipes designated A. The exhaust fan 100 is connected directly to the opening C in the wall 28. The exit from the exhaust fan 102 is directly into the plenum chamber 70 of the HVAC module. Rheostats 104 are also located within the plenum chamber 70 and operated by knobs 108 on the outside of the HVAC module. The exhaust air from the exhaust fan 100 circulates within the plenum chamber 70 and cools the rheostats I04 and

fans

86, 94 and 100. Switches f106 are located on the HVAC module for turning the fans on and off. A socket 110 is provided for either of the external fans described above and shown in FIG. 1. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a second socket 111 for the other fan. Socket 110 is rheostat controlled whereas socket 111 is not.

In summary thenthe module is a self-contained powerpack providing for all air circulation and pressure controls for the mechanical systems in the display model. The module simply lifts on and offthe table top 22 and upon reinstallation seals itself tightly to the fittings B-1 and B-2 as well as the pipes A. The pipes A also have silicone sealing gaskets at location 112 shown in FIG. 4.

Slots

114 and 116 shown in outline form are provided in the sidewalls of the HVAC module to allow the module to be set into place over the fitting B-1 and B-2. Sihce the sidewalls directly face the dividing wall 28 and separating wall 118 there is little leakage from within the plenum chamber 70. The wall 118 separates the module area from the service and storage area 30 of the display model. The exhaust air within the plenum chamber 70 passes out from the plenum chamber to holes 120 in the bottom 122 of the HVAC module. The holes 120 face the holes 124 shown in FIG. 2 from which the exhaust air passes outside.

In FIG. 6 a typical wind indicator is shown. The wind indicator is a delicately balanced weather vane constructed of materials that allow the direction of the air currents to be shown at the very lowest air velocities possible. The U-shaped frame is constructed of nylon with holes drilled at 132 and 134 to provide integral nylon bushings for the pin 136. The blade 138 is made of a very light foam plastic material. The wind indicator will accurately indicate air direction and air movement at velocities as low as 4 feet per minute. The frame 130 of each wind indicator is usually glued in place to the display model.

In FIG. 7, the corner of the display mode] at the doors 32 from the service and storage area is shown. Knobs 140 are shown located in the table top 22. These knobs connect through linkages shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 for controlling the various doors in the display model. The particular display model shown in FIG. 1 has remote control doors at 32, 34 and just behind the air curtain entrance 36. The doors just behind the air curtain entrance 36 are similar to the double doors at 34 and 32 and therefore not shown.

In FIG. 8, the knob 140 is connected to a push-pull resilient wire 142 which passes inside a tube 144 for the greater part of the length of the wire 142. The wire 142 is attached at 146 to a bellcrank 148. The bellcrank 148 is attached at its fulcrum to the door hinge 150 of one of the double doors shown in outline form 152. A link 154 is attached to the bellcrank 156 and to a second crank 158 at 160. Crank 158 is attached to the hinge 162 of the other door 164 shown in outline form. Thus the double doors open and close in unison by remote control. An alternate form of the remote control door operating mechanism is shown in FIG. 10 where the wire 142 is attached at 166 and 168 to twin racks 170 and 172. The racks 170 and 172 rotate

pinions

174 and 176 which in turn are connected to the door hinges 178 and 180.

Doors

182 and 184 are shown in outline form.

In operation, the display model demonstrates visually the operation ofa balanced HVAC system for a supermarket with an air curtain entranceway and the effect of various changes such as suddenly opening doors on the air currents inside the shopping area. The HVAC system of the display model is first balanced by setting the rheostats for the HVAC fans to provide a scale flow rate of circulating air within the model. The makeup air and return air dampers must also be adjusted for the balanced condition desired. The air curtain fan is set for the scale air curtain flow rate desired. Once a balanced condition is attained then the effect of various architectural defects such as open roof ventilators or openings in the dividing wall can be demonstrated. The effect of open rear doors or open dividing wall doors can also be shown. The external fans are utilized to demonstrate that a balanced HVAC system operating in a properly designed building will prevent undesired air currents within the building regardless of external wind conditions. In comparison, the effect of an open roof ventilator or open rear door will be readily apparent as external wind conditions are changed.

In summary, the display model demonstrates various architectural features necessary for maximizing the usefulness of the air curtain entranceway since a store such as a supermarket improperly constructed will have severe problems with an air curtain entranceway. The display model in operation can demonstrate that a properly designed and operating system will not have any significant air currents by the freezer chest or checkout counters regardless of the wind velocity or direction impinging upon the air curtain entranceway or impinging upon the air inlet for makeup air to the HVAC system. On the other hand, certain changes such as a supermarket without an air curtain entranceway and only double doors in the entranceway can be simulated and the results of the changes on the air circulating, for example, around the checkout counters and freezer chests, whenever the entrance doors are open can be demonstrated.

Such models demonstrate important architectural requirements for successful air door installations, such as a completely sealed dividing wall between sales and storage areas in a supermarket, and have proved valuable not only as sales tools in explaining the feasibility and technology underlying successful installations, but actually as designing tools in simulating and demonstrating actual air circulation results under various environmental conditions.

l claim:

1. A portable technical display model comprising a portable table, a model building mounted on said table, model HVAC ducts located in said building, a model entranceway incorporated in said building, at least one interior partition in said building dividing the model into at least two separate model rooms, and a HVAC module connected to said HVAC ducts such that said HVAC module can be conveniently disconnected and separately transported.

2. A technical display model according to claim 1 wherein said HVAC module and said HVAC ducts include mechanical and electrical means to simulate a working HVAC system in said model building at scale volumetric air flow rates.

3. A technical display model according to claim 2 wherein said HVAC module includes at least one fan for circulating HVAC air through said HVAC ducts and said model building.

4. A technical display model according to claim 3 wherein said HVAC module includes a second fan incorporated to exhaust air from said model building and an air supply and damper unit for mixing outside air with return air to supply HVAC air to said model building, said unit including adjustable dampers to vary the outside air to return air ratio.

5. A technical display model according to claim 2 wherein said mechanical and electrical means include control means to vary the scale volumetric air flow rates.

6. A technical display model according to claim 1 wherein said entranceway includes a simulated air curtain,

7. A technical display model according to claim 6 wherein a HVAC duct connects said air curtain to said HVAC module and air is supplied to said duct at scale volumetric fiow rates from an air curtain supply fan located in said HVAC module.

8. A technical display model according to claim 7 wherein said air curtain supply air is recirculated through a HVAC return duct to the air curtain supply fan.

9. A technical display model according to claim 7 wherein said HVAC module includes control means to vary the air curtain volumetric flow rate.

10. A technical display model according to claim 1 wherein said HVAC ducts include upwardly opening fittings to connect with said HVAC module and said HVAC module ineludes downwardly opening ducts to connect with said fittings such that said HVAC module at least partially rests upon said fittings.

11. A technical display model according to claim 10 wherein said fittings include resilient gaskets to seal said con nections.

12. A technical display model according to claim 2 wherein said HVAC module includes supply and control means for a fan located externally to said building and said HVAC module.

13. A technical display model according to claim 12 wherein a movable fan is connected to said supply and control means and may be directed at said building as desired.

14. A technical display model according to claim [2 wherein a fan bracket is removably attached to said table adjacent said entranceway, a fan is attached to said bracket, directed at said entranceway and connected to said supply and control means.

15. A technical display model according to claim 14 wherein said table includes a T-slot and said bracket a complementary T-end, said T-end incorporating screw means to tighten said bracket in said T-slot.

Lil

16. A technical display model according to claim 15 wherein said bracket includes a hinge located between said table and said fan to vary the direction of said fan at said entranceway, said hinge including screw means to tighten said hinge for a desired direction.

17. A technical display model according to claim 1 including a pluralitypf wind indicators mounted in said building, at least one of said wind indicators comprising a frame provi ing spaced bearing apertures including low friction bearing material, a rotatable pin journaled in said bearing aperture holes and a visible sensitive air current indicator mounted on said pin.

18. A technical display model according to claim 1 including at least one doorway, a door in said doorway, a remote control attached to said door, said remote control including a tube, a push-pull wire in said tube, an actuating knob attached to one end of said wire, a crank attached to the other end of said wire, the pivot of said crank attached to the hinge of said door so as to open and close said door upon movement of said knob.

19. A technical display model according to claim 18 including a second door in said doorway, a second crank attached to said second door, and a link joining said second crank to said first crank for simultaneousoperation.

20. A technical display model according to claim I including at least one doorway, a door in said doorway, a remote control attached to said door, said remote control including a tube, a push-pull wire in said tube, an actuating knob attached to one end of said wire, a rack attached to the other end of said wire and engaging a pinion attached to the hinge of said door so as to open and close said door upon movement of said knob.

21. A technical display model according to claim 20 wherein a second pinion is attached to the hinge of a second door in said doorway, a second rack engages said second pinion and is attached to the end of said wire adjacent said first rack for simultaneous operation.

22. A portable technical display model comprising a portable table, a model building mounted on said table, model HVAC duets located in said model building, a model entranceway incorporated in said model building, at least one interior partition in said model building dividing the model into at least two separate model rooms, a HVAC module adjacent said model building on said table and connected to said HVAC ducts such that said HVAC module can be convenicntly lifted from said table for separate transportation, a fan in said HVAC module to supply air to said HVAC ducts, an air curtain in said entranceway, a second fan in said HVAC module to supply air to said air curtain, an exhaust fan in said HVAC module, a plurality of wind indicators in said model building, at least one doorway in said model building, a remotely controlled door in said doorway, a removable bracket adjacent said entranceway, a fan mounted on said bracket and directed at said entranceway, and control means in said HVAC module to vary the volumetric air flow rate of any of said fans.

23. A technical display model according to claim 22 wherein said HVAC ducts include upwardly opening fittings and resilient gaskets on said fittings to seal said connections to said HVAC module by means of the weight of said HVAC module at least partially resting upon said fittings.

24. A technical display model according to claim 22 wherein said HVAC module includes an air supply and damper unit to mix return air and make up air for the supply air to the HVAC ducts.

25. A technical display model according to claim 22 wherein at least one of said wind indicators comprises a U- shaped nylon block, a hole in each leg of said nylon block, a rotatable pin joining said holes, and a sponge plastic blade mounted on said pin,

26. A technical display model according to claim 1 including a plurality of wind indicators mounted in said building, at least one of said wind indicators comprising a U-shaped nylon block, a hole in each leg of said block, a rotatable pin joining said holes and a sponge plastic blade mounted on said pin.

Claims

6. A technical display model according to claim 1 wherein said entranceway includes a simulated air curtain.

7. A technical display model according to claim 6 wherein a HVAC duct connects said air curtain to said HVAC module and air is supplied to said duct at scale volumetric flow rates from an air curtain supply fan located in said HVAC module.

10. A technical display model according to claim 1 wherein said HVAC ducts include upwardly opening fittings to connect with said HVAC module and said HVAC module includes downwardly opening ducts to connect with said fittings such that said HVAC module at least partially rests upon said fittings.

11. A technical display model according to claim 10 wherein said fittings include resilient gaskets to seal said connections.

14. A technical display model according to claim 12 wherein a fan bracket is removably attached to said table adjacent said entranceway, a fan is attached to said bracket, directed at said entranceway and connected to said supply and control means.

17. A technical display model according to claim 1 including a plurality of wind indicators mounted in said building, at least one of said wind indicators comprising a frame providing spaced bearing apertures including low friction bearing material, a rotatable pin journaled in said bearing aperture holes and a visible sensitive air current indicator mounted on said pin.

19. A technical display model according to claim 18 including a second door in said doorway, a second crank attached to said second door, and a link joining said second crank to said first crank for simultaneous operation.

20. A technical display model according to claim 1 including at least one doorway, a door in said doorway, a remote control attached to said door, said remote control including a tube, a push-pull wire in said tube, an actuating knob attached to one end of said wire, a rack attached to the other end of said wire and engaging a pinion attached to the hinge of said door so as to open and close said door upon movement of said knob.

22. A portable technical display model comprising a portable table, a model building mounted on said table, model HVAC ducts located in said model building, a model entranceway incorporated in said model building, at least one interior partition in said model building dividing the model into at least two separate model rooms, a HVAC module adjacent said model building on said table and connected to said HVAC ducts such that said HVAC module can be conveniently lifted from said table for separate transportation, a fan in said HVAC module to supply air to said HVAC ducts, an air curtain in said entranceway, a second fan in said HVAC module to supply air to said air curtain, an exhaust fan in said HVAC module, a plurality of wind indicators in said model building, at least one doorway in said model building, a remotely controlled door in said doorway, a removable bracket adjacent said entranceway, a fan mounted on said bracket and directed at said entranceway, and control means in said HVAC module to vary the volumetric air flow rate of any of said fans.

25. A technical display model according to claim 22 wherein at least one of said wind indicators comprises a U-shaped nylon block, a hole in each leg of said nylon block, a rotatable pin joining said holes, and a sponge plastic blade mounted on said pin.