Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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AIR DAMPER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application No. 62/618,206 filed January 17, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
No. 62/618,142 filed January 17, 2018. Both are incorporated by reference
herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002j The present disclosure relates, in exemplary embodiments, to air duct
dampers and
air duct airflow sensors. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to
air dampers
with controllable resolution at lower flow rates.
[0003] Air dampers are mechanical valves used to permit, block, and control
the flow of air
in air ducts. Conventional dampers typically comprise a circular blade having
an axle
passing through the diameter of the blade, the ends of the axle being
rotatingly mounted in
the air duct wall. The diameter of the blade is marginally smaller than the
diameter of the
circular (or other cross-sectional shape) air duct so that, when the blade is
in the closed
position, all, or essentially all airflow is blocked, with no air passing
between the edge of the
blade and the air duct interior wall. A motor or other control mechanism is
associated with
the axle and, when actuated, rotates the axle, which causes the blade to
rotate between an
open, closed, or partially open position so as to permit controllable flow of
air through the
duct. A sensor or multiple sensors are disposed proximate to the damper for
measuring
airflow. The sensor is connected to a processor, which actuates the motor that
controls the
blade rotation, thus controlling the airflow required.
[0004] For many uses, conventional dampers are sufficient. However, air ducts
used in
certain critical room environments, for example, with exhaust valves, supply
valves, room
balance systems, and the like, require accurate control of airflow,
particularly when the static
pressure in the ductwork is high, tiny movements of the blade damper can
result in significant
changes in airflows. When a conventional damper blade is rotated from an
initial closed
position to a slightly open position, there is a tendency for a large volume
of air to
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immediately be allowed to pass through the damper area, such volume being
relatively
uncontrollable. When the static pressure in the ductwork is high even tiny
movements of the
blade damper can result in significant changes in airflow. There is not enough
control over
the blade with the actuator to create movements small enough that proper
control is
maintained. It would be desirable to have a damper blade that would permit a
more
controllable flow of air at the nearly closed (or nearly open) position; i.e.,
at lower airflow
requirements and more so at higher pressures.
[0005] It would further be desirable to have an airflow sensor that would not
be dependent
on airflow orientation so as to permit location of sensor closer to a bend in
the air duct than
conventional sensors can be positioned. It would be desirable to have an
airflow sensor less
susceptible to clogging.
SUMMARY
[0006] One implementation of the present disclosure is an air damper assembly
for an air
duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall. The air damper assembly
includes a
damper plate having a periphery and multiple teeth spaced at least partially
around and
extending from the periphery. The multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum
to a
minimum over a span of approximately 90 degrees around the periphery. The air
damper
assembly further includes an axle assembly fixedly coupled to the damper plate
and rotatably
coupled to the air duct. Rotation of the axle assembly causes the damper plate
to rotate
within the air duct between a fully open position and a fully closed position
to increase or
decrease a flow of fluid through the air duct.
[0007] In some embodiments, the damper plate includes a first airfoil member
having
multiple teeth made of a first material; and a second airfoil member having
multiple teeth
made of second material, the second material having a greater stiffness than
the first material.
In other embodiments, the damper plate further includes a third airfoil member
having
multiple teeth made of a third material, the third material having a greater
stiffness than the
second material.
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[0008] In some embodiments, each of the teeth includes a resilient portion
proximate the
periphery and a flexible portion. The resilient portion has a greater
stiffness than the flexible
portion.
[0009] In some embodiments, the damper plate includes a gasket configured to
contact the
interior wall of the air duct when the damper plate is in the fully closed
position.
[0010] In some embodiments, a portion of the multiple teeth contact the
interior wall of the
air duct when the damper plate is in the fully closed position. In some
embodiments, a
portion of the multiple teeth contact the interior wall of the air duct when
the damper plate is
in a partially closed position.
[0011] In some embodiments, a portion of the multiple teeth are fabricated
from
polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). In some embodiments, a portion of the
multiple teeth are
fabricated from a metal having a plastic coating.
[0012] In some embodiments, the axle assembly includes a first shaft member
and a second
shaft member. Each of the first shaft member and the second shaft member
includes a slot
configured to receive the damper plate.
[0013] In some embodiments, the axle assembly includes a shaft member
configured to be
fastened to the damper plate using a bracket component and multiple rivets.
[0014] In some embodiments, the air damper assembly includes a damper control
assembly
configured to drive rotation of the axle assembly. In other embodiments, the
damper control
assembly comprises a pressure sensor, a motor, and an actuator.
[0015] Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for
controlling a flow
of fluid through an air duct. The method includes receiving a target airflow
setpoint,
receiving an airflow measurement from a pressure sensor, and generating a
command to
rotate a damper plate to a position setpoint between a fully open position and
a fully closed
position based at least in part on the target airflow setpoint and the airflow
measurement.
The damper plate has a periphery and multiple teeth spaced at least partially
around and
extending from the periphery. The multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum
to a
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minimum over a span of approximately 90 degrees around the periphery. The
method further
includes driving the damper plate to the position setpoint.
[0016] In some embodiments, a portion of the multiple teeth contact the
interior wall of the
air duct when the damper plate is in the fully closed position. In some
embodiments, a
portion of the multiple teeth contact the interior wall of the air duct when
the damper plate is
in a partially closed position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the damper plate includes a first airfoil member
having
multiple teeth made of a first material; and a second airfoil member having
multiple teeth
made of second material, the second material having a greater stiffness than
the first material.
In other embodiments, the damper plate further includes a third airfoil member
having
multiple teeth made of a third material, the third material having a greater
stiffness than the
second material.
[0018] In some embodiments, each of the teeth includes a resilient portion
proximate the
periphery and a flexible portion. The resilient portion has a greater
stiffness than the flexible
portion.
[0019] Yet another implementation of the present disclosure is a method of
providing an air
damper assembly for an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall.
The method
includes providing an air damper assembly that includes a damper plate having
a periphery
and multiple teeth spaced at least partially around and extending from the
periphery. The
multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum to a minimum over a span of
approximately 90
degrees around the periphery. The method further includes providing an axle
assembly
fixedly coupled to the damper plate and rotatably coupled to the air duct.
Rotation of the axle
assembly causes the damper plate to rotate within the air duct between a fully
open position
and a fully closed position to increase or decrease a flow of fluid through
the air duct.
[0020] Another implementation of the present disclosure is an airflow sensor
assembly for
an air duct. The airflow sensor assembly includes an air duct having an
interior wall and an
exterior wall, a high pressure detection device, and a low pressure detection
device. The low
pressure detection device includes a hollow ring disposed within the interior
wall of the air
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duct. The hollow ring includes an inner periphery portion, an outer periphery
portion, and a
first set of apertures defined therein. The first set of apertures is spaced
around the inner
periphery portion of the hollow ring. The airflow sensor assembly further
includes a pressure
sensor fluidly coupled to the high pressure detection device and the low
pressure detection
device.
[0021] In some embodiments, wherein the low pressure detection device includes
a first
connecting opening disposed within the outer periphery portion of the hollow
ring and a first
tube fluidly coupled to the first connecting opening. In other embodiments,
the high pressure
detection device includes a second set of apertures defined therein and spaced
around the
inner periphery of the air duct, a gasket having a recessed area defined
therein and a second
connecting opening, the gasket being fitted over the exterior wall and
proximate the second
plurality of apertures, and a second tube fluidly coupled to the second
connecting opening. In
further embodiments, the pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the first tube
and the second
tube. In still further embodiments, the airflow sensor assembly includes a
gasket guard ring
configured to fit over an exterior surface of the gasket.
[0022] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor assembly includes a damper
control
assembly that is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. In other
embodiments, the
damper control assembly includes an air damper assembly, a motor, and an
actuator.
[0023] In some embodiments, each of the first set of apertures is orthogonal
to a direction
of airflow through the air duct.
[0024] In some embodiments, the hollow ring has an outer diameter ranging from
0.5
inches to 0.75 inches.
[0025] Another implementation of the present disclosure is an airflow sensor
assembly for
an air duct. The airflow sensor assembly includes an air duct having an
interior wall and an
exterior wall, a high pressure detection device, and a low pressure detection
device. The low
pressure detection device includes an airflow restrictor, a first set of
apertures defined therein
and spaced around a periphery of the air duct, a first gasket having a
recessed area defined
therein and a first connecting opening. The first gasket is fitted over the
exterior wall and
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proximate the first plurality of apertures and the airflow restrictor. The
lower pressure
detection device further includes a first tube fluidly coupled to the first
connecting opening.
The airflow sensor assembly further includes a pressure sensor fluidly coupled
to the high
pressure detection device and the low pressure detection device.
[0026] In some embodiments, the airflow restrictor includes a shroud component
coupled
with the interior wall of the air duct. In other embodiments, the airflow
restrictor includes a
channel disposed in the interior wall of the air duct.
[0027] In some embodiments, the high pressure detection device includes a
second set of
apertures defined therein and spaced around the inner periphery of the air
duct, a gasket
having a recessed area defined therein and a second connecting opening, the
gasket being
fitted over the exterior wall and proximate the second plurality of apertures,
and a second
tube fluidly coupled to the second connecting opening. In other embodiments,
the pressure
sensor is fluidly coupled to the first tube and the second tube.
[0028] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor assembly includes one or more
gasket
guard rings configured to fit over at least one of an exterior surface of the
first gasket or an
exterior surface of the second gasket.
[0029] In some embodiments, the airflow sensor assembly includes a damper
control
assembly that is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. In other
embodiments, the
damper control assembly includes an air damper assembly, a motor, and an
actuator.
[0030] Yet another implementation of the present disclosure is a method of
sensing airflow
in an air duct. The method includes receiving a high air pressure measurement
from a high
pressure detection device, and receiving a low air pressure measurement from a
low pressure
detection device. The low pressure detection device includes a hollow ring
disposed within
the interior wall of the air duct. The hollow ring includes an inner periphery
portion, an outer
periphery portion, and a first set of apertures defined therein. The first set
of apertures is
spaced around the inner periphery portion of the hollow ring. The low pressure
detection
device further includes a first connecting opening disposed within the outer
periphery portion
of the hollow ring, and a first tube fluidly coupled to the first connecting
opening. The
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method further includes calculating an air velocity through the duct based on
the high air
pressure measurement and the low air pressure measurement.
[0031] In some embodiments, the high pressure detection device includes a
second set of
apertures defined therein and spaced around the inner periphery of the air
duct, a gasket
having a recessed area defined therein and a second connecting opening, the
gasket being
fitted over the exterior wall and proximate the second plurality of apertures,
and a second
tube fluidly coupled to the second connecting opening.
[0032] In some embodiments, each of the first set of apertures is orthogonal
to a direction
of airflow through the air duct.
[0033] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is
illustrative only and is
not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and
advantages of
the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the
claims, will become
apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction
with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The drawings disclose exemplary embodiments in which like reference
characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an air duct assembly, according to some
embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an air damper assembly which
can be used
in the air duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the air damper assembly of FIG. 2,
according to
some embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the air damper assembly of FIG. 2,
according to
some embodiments.
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[0039] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the air damper assembly of FIG. 2,
according to
some embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a shaft arrangement which can
be used in the
air damper assembly of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of another shaft arrangement
which can be used
in the air damper assembly of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the air duct assembly of FIG.
1, according to
some embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view that depicts the air damper
assembly of FIG. 2
in a partially closed position, according to some embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view that depicts the air damper
assembly of FIG.
2 in a fully closed position, according to some embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 11 is front elevation view of another air damper assembly which
can be used in
the air duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 12 is side elevation view of the air damper assembly of FIG. 11,
according to
some embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of another air damper assembly that
can be used in
the air duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of another air damper assembly
which can be
used in the air duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 15 is a detail view of another air damper assembly which can be
used in the air
duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an air duct airflow sensor
assembly,
according to some embodiments.
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[0051] FIG. 17 is a side cutaway view of the air duct assembly of FIG. 1,
according to some
embodiments.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a top elevation view of the air duct assembly of FIG. 1,
according to some
embodiments.
[0053] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an air duct, ring and gasket
components
that can be utilized in the air duct assembly of FIG. 1, according to some
embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 20 is another top view of the air duct assembly of FIG. 1,
according to some
embodiments.
[0055] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the air duct assembly taken
along the line
B-B of FIG. 20, according to some embodiments.
[0056] FIG. 22 is a detail view C-C of the nipple, gasket and tube, according
to some
embodiments.
[0057] FIG. 23 is a detail view D-D of the gasket, according to some
embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of another air duct airflow
sensor assembly,
according to some embodiments.
[0059] FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of another air duct airflow
sensor assembly,
according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (for
example,
cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, or the like)
together with the
specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written
description of this
invention. As used in the following description, the terms "horizontal",
"vertical", "left",
"right", "up" and "down", "upper" and "lower" as well as adjectival and
adverbial derivatives
thereof (for example, "horizontally", "upwardly", or the like), simply refer
to the orientation
of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the
reader. Similarly, the
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terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a
surface relative to its
axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.
[0061] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a cylindrical air duct assembly 1.
As shown, the
air duct assembly 1 includes a first end 2, a second end 3, and interior wall
4, an exterior wall
5, and a control assembly 100. In some embodiments, the air duct assembly 1
can be situated
such that air flows from the first end 2 to the second end 3. Air duct
assembly 1 is further
shown to include an air damper assembly 10 situated within the interior wall
4.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, several views of the air damper assembly 10
are
provided. FIG. 2 depicts an exploded isometric view, FIG. 3 depicts a front
elevation view,
FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view, and FIG. 5 depicts a rear elevation
view. Damper
assembly 10 is shown to include, among other components, a first damper plate
12, and a
second damper plate 14. A first airflow member comprises a first section 18
and a second
section 20. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second sections 18, 20 are
made of a
generally rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metal, polymer,
ceramic, wood, coated
material, laminate, or the like. Each section comprises a straight portion 22
and a curved
portion 24.
[0063] A plurality of fingers 30 is shown to extend outward from and at least
partially
around the curved peripheral portion of each section 18, 20. In one exemplary
embodiment,
the fingers 30 may be integrally formed with the sections 18, 20. In another
exemplary
embodiment, the fingers 30 may be separate and mounted or attached to at least
a portion of
each section 18, 20. In exemplary embodiments the fingers 30 are formed of a
relatively
resilient material. In exemplary embodiments, the material may be metal,
resilient plastic, or
other generally resilient material. In some embodiments, fingers 30 are made
of metal or
other resilient material which is covered or coated with plastic or other
material that will not
appreciably scratch the interior wall of the air duct. In other embodiments,
fingers 30 are
made of a single material that is both resilient and that will not appreciably
scratch the
interior wall of the air duct.
[0064] The fingers 30 may be sized to have a length smaller proximate to the
straight
portion 22 and increase in length proximate to the midpoint of the curved
portion 24. Stated
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differently, in such exemplary embodiments, the length of the fingers 30
varies from a
maximum to a minimum over a span of about 90 degrees around the periphery. For
example,
referring specifically to FIG. 2, fingers 31-33 (with finger 31 being longer
than fingers 32 or
33) are longer than fingers 34-36 (with finger 34 being longer than fingers 35
or 36). In
exemplary embodiments, the second section 20 of the airfoil member 16 is
configured in
mirror image to the first section 18 and has fingers 30 sized and configured
similar to those
associated with the first section 18.
[0065] The second airfoil member comprises, in exemplary embodiments, a first
section 42
and a second section 44. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second
sections 42, 44 are
made of a generally rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metal (e.g.,
Aluminum),
polymer, ceramic, wood, coated material, laminate, or the like. In some
embodiments, the
first and second sections 42, 44 are fabricated from different material as
first and second
sections 18, 20. For example, the first and second sections 42, 44 can be
fabricated from a
material of lower stiffness than the material of first and second sections 18,
20. In other
embodiments, the first and second sections 42, 44 are fabricated from the same
material as
first and second sections 18, 20. Each section 42, 44 is shown to comprise a
straight portion
46 and a curved portion 48.
[0066] A plurality of fingers 50 extends outward from and at least partially
around the
curved peripheral portion of each section 42, 44. In one exemplary embodiment,
the fingers
50 may be integrally formed with sections 42, 44. In another exemplary
embodiment, the
fingers 50 may be separate and mounted or attached to at least a portion of
each section 42,
44. In exemplary embodiments, the fingers 50 are formed of a material more
flexible than
the material forming the fingers 30. In exemplary embodiments, the material
may be a
flexible metal, plastic, fabric, laminate, or other material having a degree
of flexion but which
can return to the unflexed position. In one exemplary embodiment, the material
may be
polytetrafluorenthylene ("Teflon ). Similar to the fingers 30, in some
embodiments, the
fingers 50 are sized to have a length smaller proximate to the straight
portion 46 and increase
in length proximate to the midpoint of the curved portion 48. For example,
fingers 51-53
(with finger 51 being longer than fingers 52 or 53) are longer than fingers 54-
56 (with finger
54 being longer than fingers 55 or 56).
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[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the second section 44 is configured in mirror
image to
the first section 42 and has fingers 50 sized and configured similar to those
associated with
the first section 42. In exemplary embodiments, the fingers 50 may be sized to
be slightly
longer and/or slightly larger than the corresponding matching adjacent fingers
30 (i.e., when
the first and second airfoil members are assembled and the fingers 30 are
generally adjacent
to fingers 50, finger 31 is adjacent to finger 51). This may be done so that
the resilient fingers
30 are close to, but not touching (or barely touching) the interior wall 4 of
the air duct 1 when
the damper 10 is in the closed position, which will avoid or reduce the
likelihood of the
interior wall 4 being scratched by the resilient fingers 30. In an alternative
exemplary
embodiment, the fingers 30 are slightly offset from the corresponding fingers
50.
[0068] The first and second damper plates 12, 14 may be connected to each
other with the
first and second airfoil members comprising sections 18, 20, 42, 44 sandwiched
therebetween
such that on one side of the damper the fingers 50 are showing on the top half
and the fingers
30 are showing on the bottom half, with the reverse being the case on the
other side of the
damper. In some embodiments, the sections 18, 20, 42, 44 may be coupled with
each other
and the damper plates 12, 14 using rivets 58. In other embodiments, any other
suitable
fastening mechanism (e.g., bolts, screws, adhesives) can be utilized to couple
the sections 18,
20, 42, 44 and the damper plates 12, 14. In some embodiments, the first and
second damper
plates 12, 14, may be connected to each other and the axle assembly 70
connected thereto
using one or more bolts 82 and locknuts 84. It is to be understood that other
fastening
mechanisms known to those skilled in the air can be used.
[0069] In exemplary embodiments, an optional gasket 60 may be placed between
the first
and second damper plates 12, 14 and abutting the first and second sections 42,
44 of the
second airfoil member (when assembled). The optional gasket 60 can be used to
seal off the
airflow through the air duct assembly 1. In various embodiments, the optional
gasket can be
fabricated from rubber, silicone, neoprene, a plastic polymer, or any other
suitable gasket
material.
[0070] The axle assembly 70 may comprise a single piece, or, in exemplary
embodiments,
may comprise a first member 72 and a second member 74. In exemplary
embodiments, the
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first member 72 may be longer than the second member 74. As described in
greater detail
below with reference to FIG. 8, this may be because the first member 72 is
configured to
couple with a motor within the control assembly 100 of the air duct damper
assembly 1. In
some embodiments, each shaft member 72, 74 may comprise a split shaft sized to
fit over the
assembled first and second damper plates 12, 14 and first and second airfoil
members, as
shown in FIGS. 3-5. In other words, each shaft member 72, 74 can include a
slot to receive
the assembled damper plates 12, 14 and airfoil members. In exemplary
embodiments, a
rotation bushing 76 and a stationary bushing 78 may be fitted over each shaft
member 72, 74
to ensure the free rotation of the air damper assembly 10 within the air duct
assembly 1. In
some embodiments, an 0-ring 80 may also be fitted over each shaft member 72,
74.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, cross-sectional views of embodiments of
the joint
between the axle assembly 70, the damper plates 12, 14, and the sections 18,
20, 42, 44 are
depicted. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the sections 18, 20, 42, and 44
can be retained
between the damper plates 12 and 14 using split shaft members 72, 74. In
various
embodiments, rivets 58 passing through the split shaft members 72, 72 are used
to fasten the
split shaft members 72, 74 and retain the sections 18, 20, 42, and 44, and the
damper plates
12 and 14 in a stacked configuration. In other embodiments, another type of
fastener can be
utilized instead of rivets 58.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternate joint embodiment is depicted. As
shown, a
solid shaft 86 may be used in the axle assembly 70 instead of split shaft
members 72, 74. The
solid shaft 86 may be retained on the stacked configuration of sections 18,
20, 42, 44 and
damper plates 12, 14 using a U-bracket 88 and rivets 58. U-bracket 88 can have
any suitable
geometry required to retain the solid shaft 86 on the stacked configuration.
In various
embodiments, another type of fastener can be utilized instead of rivets 58. As
shown, the
solid shaft 86 can be coupled flush against the damper plate 12. In other
embodiments, a
symmetrical configuration may be utilized, and the solid shaft 86 can be
coupled flush
against the damper plate 14.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 8, a side cross-sectional view of the damper
assembly 10
mounted in the air duct assembly 1 is shown. The axle assembly shaft member 74
may be
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positioned in an aperture 90 situated at the bottom of the air duct, and shaft
member 72 may
be positioned within an aperture 92 situated at the top of the air duct,
proximate the control
assembly 100. The control assembly 100 may have a housing 102. The housing 102
may
house a power supply 104, a gear/motor 106, an actuator 108, a control board
110, a pressure
sensor 112, and a low pressure pickup 114, and a high pressure pickup 116. The
pickups
114, 116 are in communication with pressure sensor mechanisms (not shown)
inside the air
duct 1, such mechanisms as are known to those skilled in the art.
[0074] In operation, an operator may provide a target airflow setpoint.
Pressure sensor 112
may provide information on the current actual airflow calculated from a high
pressure pickup
114 and a low pressure pickup 116. High pressure pickup 114 and low pressure
pickup 116
can sense air pressure in the air duct flowing form the first end 2 to the
second end 3 of the
air duct 1. Movement of the damper 10 may occur to equalize the setpoint and
actual airflow.
Airflow setpoint signals and measured airflow signals may be received by the
control board
110, which generates a position setpoint signal sent to the power supply 104,
which in turn
actuates the motor 106. The motor 106 is operationally associated with the
axle assembly
shaft member 72, causing it to rotate as needed between a fully opened
position and a fully
closed position.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, detail cross-sectional views of the
air damper
assembly 10 are depicted in partially closed and fully closed positions,
respectively. When
the air damper assembly 10 rotates toward a closed position, as specifically
depicted in FIG.
9, fingers 50 and gasket 60 come proximate to the interior wall 4. When doing
so, the air
flow is reduced, but not entirely. The airspace 120 between the fingers 50
permits air to flow
through until the air damper 10 rotates into a fully closed position, in which
event the fingers
50 (all or at least a portion thereof), can flex so that most of the length,
or at least a portion of
the flat surface, of the finger 50 contacts the interior wall 4, as shown in
FIG. 10. The larger
the portion of the finger 50 that contacts the interior wall 4, the smaller
the airspace 120 and
the smaller the amount of air that can flow through the damper.
[0076] A feature of the presently disclosed damper is that the airfoil members
provide
greater control and resolution of air pressure as the damper 10 and fingers
50, get closer to
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full closure. Because the present design does not need to accelerate air past
vortex shedders
(such as those used by a conventional damper product available from Accutrol
TM), higher
flow rates can be obtained.
100771 Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of an air damper
assembly
300 is depicted. Air damper assembly 300 can include a single plate, as
opposed to the first
and second damper plates of air damper assembly 10 as described above. Damper
assembly
300 can have two rows of fingers 302, 303 attached to the periphery of the
damper assembly
300 by fasteners 304. In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, an
air damper
assembly 400 can have a single row of a plurality of fingers 402 attached to
the periphery of
the damper assembly 400 by fasteners 404.
[0078] In another alternative embodiment, the damper can have more than two
rows of
fingers. In one such embodiment, depicted in FIG. 14, a damper 500 is shown
having three
rows of fingers. The three rows of fingers can be achieved by incorporating a
first airfoil
(comprised of first section 18 and second section 20), a second airfoil
(comprised of first
section 42 and second section 44), and a third airfoil 502, comprised of first
section 504 and
second section 506. In some embodiments, the fingers of sections 504 and 506
of the third
airfoil 502 have greater stiffness than the fingers of sections 18, 20, 42,
44. In other
embodiments, one or more of sections 18, 20, 42, and 44 have greater or
equivalent stiffness
to sections 504 and 506.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 15, a detail view of another embodiment of an air
damper
assembly 600 is depicted. Air damper assembly 600 can include teeth fabricated
from one or
more materials with varying stiffness. For example, each tooth 602 may have a
relatively
resilient or stiff portion 604 proximate to the base 606 and a relatively
flexible portion 608
proximate to the distal end 610 of the tooth 602.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 16-23, various views depicting the air duct
airflow sensor
assembly 1000 are shown, according to some embodiments. Air may flow through
the air
duct airflow sensor assembly 1000 in the direction indicated by arrow "A" as
shown in FIG.
16. The air duct airflow sensor assembly 1000 includes a low pressure
detection device and a
high pressure detection device. The low pressure detection device comprises a
hollow ring
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1020 which is mounted to or otherwise associated with the interior wall 4. In
some
embodiments, the outer diameter of the hollow ring 1020 can range from 0.5
inches to 0.75
inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the hollow ring 1020
is 0.625
inches. The ring 1020 has a plurality of apertures 1022 defined in the inner
periphery 1023 of
the ring (versus the outer periphery 1024 which is proximate to the interior
wall 4). In
exemplary embodiments, the apertures 1022 are disposed in the inner periphery
of the ring
1020 such that they are generally orthogonal to the orientation of airflow, so
that air flows
across the apertures 1022, rather than flowing into the apertures 1022.
[0081] A hollow connector nipple 1028 is connected to an aperture defined in
the ring 1020
and an aperture defined in the duct 1. A tube 1032 is connected to the nipple
1028. Air
flowing into the apertures 1022 can flow through the ring 1020, into the
nipple 1028, and
through the tube 1032. The tube 1032 is connected to a pressure sensor 1034
such that the air
flowing through the tube 1032 is received and detected by the flow pressure
sensor 1034.
The ring 1020 serves two purposes: as an air collection device, and as an
airflow restriction
obstacle, so as to create a measurable pressure differential.
[0082] The air duct 1 further includes multiple apertures 1040 defined
therein, the apertures
1040 being arranged generally in a ring-shape around the interior wall 4. A
gasket 1042 is
associated with the exterior wall 5 and is located generally over the
apertures 1040. The
gasket 1042 has a recessed area 1043 such that when associated with the
exterior wall 5 a
chamber 1043 is formed. Detail views of the apertures 1040 and chamber 1043
are
specifically depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0083] A hollow connector nipple 1044 is connected to the gasket 1042. In
exemplary
embodiments, a gasket guarding ring 1045 may be used and is fitted over the
gasket 1042. A
tube 1046 is connected to the nipple 1044. The tube 1046 is connected to the
pressure sensor
1034. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a separate pressure sensor (not
shown) can
be connected to the tube 1046. The apertures 1040, gasket 1042, nipple 1044,
tube 1046 and
pressure sensor 1034 form a high pressure sensor detection device.
[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensor 1034 is part of a control
assembly
1006 that controls the opening and closing of a damper 1050. In one exemplary
embodiment
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of a control assembly, specifically depicted in FIG. 21, a housing 1100 is
mounted to or
otherwise associated with the air duct. A sensor 1034, processor 1102,
actuator 1104 and
power supply 1106 may be disposed within the housing 1100. A damper 1050 is in
operational communication with the actuator 1104.
[0085] In operation, air flowing through the duct 1 in the direction of arrow
A first
encounters the high pressure detection apertures 1040. A portion of the air
enters the
apertures 1040 and flows into the chamber 1043. The air then moves into the
tube 1046 via
the nipple 1044, and then into the pressure sensor 1034. The pressure detected
is the "high"
pressure in the duct 1, i.e., the pressure upstream from the airflow
restrictor which is the ring
1020.
[0086] Air flowing through the duct 1 next flows over the ring 1020 and can
enter the
apertures 1022 and travel through the nipple 1028 and the tube 1032, and into
the pressure
sensor 1034. The pressure detected is the "low" pressure in the duct, i.e.,
the pressure at the
point where airflow is restricted by the ring 1020. The differential between
the high pressure
measurement and the low pressure measurement is an indication of the air
velocity through
the duct, specifically a scaled square root of the measured pressure (i.e., an
application of
Bernoulli's principle). The sensor 1034 can send a signal to the control
assembly 1006 that in
turn can cause the damper 1050 to rotate so as to open or close the air duct
1.
[0087] In exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensor 1034 is a "dead-end"
pressure
sensor (versus a flow-through sensor); i.e., after the initial pressure is
established no further
airflow goes through the sensor. This can reduce the chance of the apertures
1022 and 1040
becoming clogged.
[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, for an air duct having a 10 inch diameter,
a 0.5 inch
diameter ring 1020 was used. With such a construction measurements of 850 CFM
(cubic
feet per minute) down to 35 CFM were obtainable with a 0.1 in Wg duct static.
In other
embodiments, a 0.625 inch diameter ring 1020 may be utilized.
[0089] A benefit of the presently described sensor assembly is that because of
the ring 1020
design having the apertures 1022 orthogonal to the airflow orientation, air to
be diverted into
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the ring 1020 flows over the apertures 1022, rather than directly into the
apertures 1022. This
can reduce the likelihood of the apertures 1022 becoming clogged by dust, dirt
and debris that
accompanies the airstream.
[0090] Another benefit is that the presently disclosed apparatus is not
dependent on airflow
orientation. Typically, conventional pressure sensor apparatus, such as
variable air volume
("VAV") boxes, are dependent on airflow orientation, and having a bend or
other transition in
the duct in the general area where the sensor can result in inaccurate
measurement due to the
airflow disruption that naturally occurs proximate to the bend. With the air
detection means
of the presently disclosed apparatus, which is not airflow orientation
dependent, the sensor
assembly can be located closer to a bend or other transition in the air duct
without affecting
pressure measurement. This provides the duct system designer with greater
flexibility in
designing the placement of the valve assembly.
[0091] Another benefit of the presently described sensor assembly is that it
presents
minimal obstruction to the airflow and thus allows for greater CFM velocity at
lower duct
statics. Additionally, in the event any of the apertures 1022 become blocked,
it is easy to
carry out periodic maintenance by disconnecting the sensor 1034 and
introducing a blast of
compressed air into the tube 1032 or tube 1046. Any clogging debris will be
blown out of the
apertures 1022 or 1040, respectively.
[0092] Another benefit of the presently described sensor assembly as part of
an overall
sensor/controller/damper design is that it can operate off of a 0-10y control
signal to provide
the desired airflow. This allows a designer or operator to set a required CFM
with a linear
control signal from a control system.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, alternate embodiments for airflow
restriction
used in the low pressure detection device are depicted. Specifically, FIG. 24
depicts an
airflow sensor assembly including a shroud component 1060. In some
embodiments, the
shroud component 1060 can be ring-shaped, with an interior wall attachment
portion 1062, an
inclined portion 1064, and an aperture shielding portion 1066, although any
suitable shroud
configuration or geometry may be utilized. In some embodiments, the aperture
shielding
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portion 1066 extends from the interior wall 4 a distance ranging from 0.5
inches to 0.75
inches.
[0094] The aperture shielding portion 1066 is situated proximate apertures
1022 disposed
within the air duct 1. A gasket 1048 is associated with the exterior wall 5
and is located
generally over the apertures 1022. In some embodiments, one or more gasket
guarding rings
(not shown) may be used and fitted over the gaskets 1042, 1048. The gasket
1048 has a
recessed area 1049 such that when associated with the exterior wall 5 a
chamber 1049 is
formed. Air flowing through the duct 1 flows over the interior wall attachment
portion 1062,
the inclined portion 1064, and the aperture shielding portion 1066 of the
shroud component
1060 and can enter the apertures 1022. The air can then travel through the
chamber 1049 into
the nipple 1028. Similar to the pressure measurement process described above
with reference
to FIGS. 16-23, after passing through the nipple 1028, the air can travel
through a tube and
into a pressure sensor for the purpose of controlling an air damper assembly.
[0095] Turning now to FIG. 25, an airflow sensor assembly including a channel
feature
1070 is depicted. Similar to the shroud component 1060 described above with
reference to
FIG. 24, the channel feature 1070 may be utilized as an air restriction
feature in place of the
hollow ring 1020 described above with reference to FIGS. 16-23. The channel
feature 1070
can include multiple apertures 1022 distributed about a periphery of the
channel feature 1070.
In some embodiments, the depth of the channel feature 1070 can range from 0.5
inches to
0.75 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the channel feature 1070
is 0.625
inches. In other words, if the air duct 1 is nominally 10 inches in diameter,
the diameter may
expand to 11.25 inches in the region of the channel feature 1070.
[0096] A gasket 1048 is associated with the exterior wall 5 and is located
generally over the
apertures 1022. In some embodiments, one or more gasket guarding rings (not
shown) may
be used and fitted over the gaskets 1042, 1048. The gasket 1048 has a recessed
area 1049
such that when associated with the exterior wall 5 a chamber 1049 is formed.
Air flowing
through the duct 1 flows over the channel feature 1070 and can enter the
apertures 1022. The
air can then travel through the chamber 1049 into the nipple 1028. Similar to
the pressure
measurement process described above with reference to FIGS. 16-23, after
passing through
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the nipple 1028, the air can travel through a tube and into a pressure sensor
for the purpose of
controlling an air damper assembly.
[0097] The above description of exemplary embodiments of a damper may be for
use in an
air duct. It is to be understood that the damper of the present disclosure can
also be used with
a duct constructed for conveyance of other fluids, such as, but not limited
to, gases and
liquids.
[0098] The present invention also relates to a damping system comprising a
duct, a damper
according to the damper embodiments disclosed hereinabove and mounted in the
duct, and a
control assembly adapted to rotate the damper from an open to a closed
position.
[0099] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0100] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event
or
circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances
where said
event or circumstances occurs and instances where it does not.
[0101] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word
"comprise"
and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," means
"including but not
limited to," and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives,
components, integers
or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of' and is not intended to convey an
indication of
a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense,
but for
explanatory purposes.
[0102] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed
methods,
equipment and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it
is
understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of
these components
are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and
collective
combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is
specifically
contemplated and described herein, for all methods, equipment and systems.
This applies to
all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in
disclosed methods. Thus,
if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is
understood that each of
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these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or
combination of
embodiments of the disclosed methods.
[0103] It should further be noted that any patents, applications and
publications referred to
herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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