Patent Application
20190101298
This disclosure relates generally to heating and air conditioning units. More particularly, and without limitation, to a fresh air hood system for mini split systems.
Heating and air conditioning systems are old and well known in the art. Conventional heating and air conditioning systems operate to raise or lower the temperature within a room or building by circulating heated or cooled air. While conventional heating and air conditioning systems are effective, they suffer from many disadvantages. Namely, many heating and air condition systems require complex, expensive and difficult to install ductwork to facilitate bringing fresh air into a room.
In recent years, what are known as mini split systems have been used to provide the heating and cooling functionality for a room or small building. However, due to the complexity and expense associated with the installation of ductwork in association with a mini split system, many mini split systems are simply installed without the ability to bring fresh outside air into a room or building. As such, while these mini split systems are effective at heating or cooling a room or building, they are not effective at meeting new and more-stringent fresh air requirements within the room or building.
Whether used for heating or cooling purposes, mini split systems are comprised of an outdoor apparatus and an indoor apparatus. The outdoor apparatus, also known as a condenser unit, applies pressure to refrigerant, which is then dispersed through refrigerant lines that are connected to the indoor apparatus. The indoor apparatus, also known as an evaporator, consists of three key elements: (1) air-handlers, (2) blowers, and (3) an evaporator coils. The evaporator is strategically placed in a building or in a room which provides for more efficient energy usage.
Mini split systems offer many benefits to users such as: (1) no ductwork; (2) easy, straightforward installation; (3) smaller and more compact systems; (4) quiet operation; (5) increased efficiency; (6) they allow for area zoning and individual control; (7) they provide better indoor air quality than traditional systems; and (8) they are easier to maintain, repair and replace as compared to conventional systems. However, mini split systems suffer from a number of disadvantages such as the inability to bring fresh outdoor air into a room or building. However, users of a mini split system have very limited options to bring outdoor air into a room or building, and the existing options are all undesirable (such as running conventional ductwork).
Another complexity and complication in this area of art is that building codes and best practices have placed increased demands on ventilation systems and minimum fresh air flow into a room or building. As one example, ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 are the recognized standards for ventilation system design and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ). Standard 62.2 defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. While mini split systems may be utilized to heat and cool a room or building, conventionally it is difficult, and in many applications and installations impossible, to utilize a mini split system to meet or contribute to meeting ASHRAE Standard 62.2.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification, there is a need in the art for an improved manner of facilitating the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building while utilizing a mini split system.
Thus it is an object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that improves upon the state of the art.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is easy to use.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is efficient.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is cost effective.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is safe to use.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that has a durable design.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that has a long, useful life.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that has a wide variety of uses.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that has a wide variety of applications.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that can be easily controlled by a user.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that provides a cost savings to the user.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is relatively inexpensive.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that provides value.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that is aesthetically pleasing.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that provides an improved system for delivering fresh outdoor air to a room or building.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that can be used with any type of mini split system.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that allows a user to easily control and regulate the temperature of a room or building.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that facilitates transferring fresh outdoor air into a room or building while limiting or preventing insects and other contaminants from entering the room or building.
Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that facilitates transferring fresh outdoor air into a room or a building while being strategically positioned over the mini split system to allow for efficient air transfer and providing a user with the capability to clean in between the components of the system.
Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a fresh air hood system for mini splits that utilizes a mini split system to meet or contribute to meeting ASHRAE Standard 62.2.
These and other objects, features, or advantages of at least one embodiment will become apparent from the specification, figures and claims.
A fresh air hood system for mini splits that can be used with any type of mini split system. The system comprises a damper, wherein the damper contains a control mechanism which facilitates the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building. In one embodiment, the system comprises a control mechanism that is manually operated, such as a pull string. In one embodiment, the system comprises a control mechanism that is a wireless control, such as a conventional remote control that transmits radio frequency signals over the air.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention.
System:
A fresh air system for mini splits 10 (or simply “system 10”) is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate the quick, easy and inexpensive delivery of fresh air to an interior of a room or building as well as and in association with heating and cooling. In one arrangement, as is shown, fresh air system for mini splits 10 includes the component parts of a wall 12, having an interior side 14 and an exterior side 16, a mini split system 18 having an evaporator 20, a condenser 22, one or more conduits 24 including one or more drain lines 26, refrigerant lines 28 and electric lines 30, a control 32 which may be one or more wireless controls 34 and/or a wired controls 36, a fresh air hood system 38 having a housing 40 with a forward wall 42, a rearward wall 44, an upper wall 46, a lower wall 48, opposing sidewalls 50, a filter member 52, an intake 54 having a main body 56, a flange 58 and a damper 60 having a hinge 62 and a control mechanism 64, and an exterior vent 66, among other components that work in concert with one another to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building in association with heating and cooling.
Wall:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a wall 12. Wall 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to separate the interior of a room or building from the exterior of the room or building. In one arrangement, as is shown, wall 12 is a generally flat and planar exterior wall to which mini split system 18 is mounted and to which fresh air hood system 38 is mounted that facilitates the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air through the wall 12 and into a room or building as is described herein.
Mini Split System:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a mini split system 18. Mini split system 18 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide temperature regulating capabilities without the expense, complexity, prior-planning and the many problems associated with heating and air conditioning with conventional heating and air conditioning through in-building duct systems. In the arrangement shown, as one example, mini split system 18 also provides the ability to better regulate the temperature from room to room while reducing energy loss that is typical with conventional duct-related systems. In one arrangement, as is shown, mini split system 18 has an evaporator 20, a condenser 22 (which is located outside of a building), one or more conduits 24 including one or more drain lines 26, refrigerant lines 28 and electric lines 30, among other components.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, mini split system 18 is comprised of an outdoor apparatus and an indoor apparatus, among other components. In one arrangement, condenser 22, also known as the outdoor component or outdoor apparatus, is located outside of a building and/or wall 12 and is configured to apply pressure to refrigerant thereby condensing the refrigerant from a gaseous state to a more-condensed gas or liquid state. This condensed gas or liquid is then transported through refrigerant lines 28 to evaporator 20, also known as the indoor component or indoor apparatus, of the mini split system 18.
In one arrangement, evaporator 20, also known as the indoor component or indoor apparatus, which is located inside of a building and/or wall 12 and is configured to evaporate the condensed gas or liquid received from condenser 22. In the arrangement shown, as one example, evaporator 20 is connected to wall 12, at or near its upper end. However, this is only one of countless examples of the location and the ways in which evaporator 20 may be installed. In an alternate arrangement, evaporator 20 may be installed in a ceiling, or any other structural component of a building or wall 12. Once installed, evaporator 20 allows for the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas as air is blown through coils that carry evaporating gas and causing heat transfer. In this way, evaporator 20 pushes the cooled (or heated when in a reverse arrangement) air into the room or building. Evaporator 20 is strategically placed in a room or building which allows for more efficient energy usage as evaporator 20 allows for on the spot temperature control.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, mini split system 18 is controlled by one or more controls 32. Control 32 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to control the operation of mini split system 18. In one arrangement, as is shown, control 32 may be a direct control 33 which facilitates direct interaction with the mini split system 18 itself, and allows for manual control of the mini split system 18 such as a key pad, one or more buttons, one or more knobs, a digital display, a touch screen, or any other control mechanism on the unit itself. In an alternative arrangement, control 32 may be a wireless control 34 such as a conventional remote control that transmits radio frequency signals over the air to the mini split system 18 which includes an antenna, receiver and/or transceiver and a microprocessor, among other components, which are configured to receive and interpret wireless control signals received from wireless control 34 and respond accordingly. In an alternate arrangement, control 32 may be a hardwired control 34 such as a conventional wall switch, key pad, digital display control or the like, that is wired directly or indirectly to the mini split system 18 through electrically connected wiring and/or circuitry. In this arrangement, hardwired control 34 transmits control signals through its wired connection to mini split system 18 thereby controlling the operation of mini split system 18. Mini split system 18 may be controlled by any other manner, method or means.
Many mini split systems 18, like the one shown, include an air intake 70 adjacent the upper end of the evaporator 20 through which room temperature recirculated air is sucked into the evaporator 20. Many mini split systems 18, like the one shown, include an air outlet 72 adjacent the forward side or lower end of the evaporator 20. In this arrangement, room temperature air is sucked into the evaporator 20 through the air intake 70 and is blown out of into the evaporator 20 and into the room through the air outlet 72, after passing over or through the coils within the evaporator 20. In this way, mini split systems 18 recirculate room temperature air while adjusting the temperature of that air.
Fresh Air Hood System:
Mini split systems 18 offers an assortment of great features and benefits such as the capability of multiple operating modes (e.g. heating and cooling), convenience, increased energy efficiency, and independent operation, no ductwork, easy installation, and the list goes on. While mini split systems 18 provides many benefits, mini split systems 18 also suffers from substantial disadvantages, namely, the inability to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh outdoor air into a room or building.
Indoor air quality is a matter of ever-increasing importance. Not only is increasing the amount of fresh air that is brought into a room or building healthy and makes a room or building more comfortable, building codes are regulating the amount of fresh-air that is circulated within a room or building. This increased regulation has required builders to implement expensive ductwork systems thereby increasing the cost of the building. Unfortunately, due to the configuration of conventional mini split systems 18, mini split systems 18 have not been utilized to increase the amount of fresh air that can be brought into a room or building as there has been no convenient manner of doing so prior to the use of fresh air hood system 38.
When a mini split system 18 is utilized to regulate the temperature in a room or building, a fresh air hood system 38 provides the ability to bring a controlled amount of fresh outdoor air into a room or building. In the arrangement shown, mini split system 18 is connected to a wall 12 and the fresh air hood system 38 is also connected to the wall 12 and is positioned on the wall 12 at or slightly above the mini split system 18. Positioning fresh air hood system 38 in this manner increases the efficiency of the interaction between the mini split system 18 and the fresh air hood system 38 as is described herein.
Fresh air hood system 38 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate the easy and efficient transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building through wall 12 and into interaction with mini split system 18. In one arrangement, as is shown, the fresh air hood system 38 has a housing 40 with a forward wall 42, a rearward wall 44, an upper wall 46, a lower wall 48, opposing sidewalls 50, a filter member 52, and an intake 54.
Housing 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate the transfer of fresh air from outside wall 12 to mini split system 18 or more specifically to evaporator 20. In one arrangement as is shown, housing 40 forms a generally hollow interior that receives air from intake 54 and transitions it to mini split system 18, or more specifically evaporator 20.
In one arrangement, as is shown, housing 40 has a generally flat or planar rearward wall 44 that is configured to connect to and/or lay in a generally flat and flush parallel spaced alignment and/or engagement with the interior side 14 of wall 12, which when viewed from behind is generally rectangular or square in shape. However any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, rearward wall 44 connects at its upper end to upper wall 46 and at its lower end to lower wall 48.
In the arrangement shown, upper wall 46 connects to the upper end of rearward wall 44 and curves in a generally rounded and smooth manner thereby connecting the planar rearward wall 44 to the generally planar forward wall 42. When viewed from the side, upper wall 46 takes on a generally smooth semicircular shape. However any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. Upper wall 46 connects at its forward end to the upper end of forward wall 42.
In the arrangement shown, forward wall 42, like rearward wall 46, is generally flat or planar in shape. In the arrangement shown, the plane of forward wall 42 extends at an angle, extending outward from the rearward wall 44 as it extends downward from the upper wall 46. The lower end of forward wall 42 connects to the lower wall 48. However any other shape is hereby contemplated for use.
In the arrangement shown, lower wall 48 connects to the forward wall 42 at its forward end and connects to the rearward wall 44 at its rearward end. In the arrangement shown, the lower wall 48, like rearward wall 44 is generally flat and planar in shape. In the arrangement shown, the planes formed by lower wall 48 and rearward wall 44 extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to one another. In the arrangement shown, the planes formed by lower wall 48 and opposing side walls 50 extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to one another. In the arrangement shown, the planes formed by lower wall 48 and forward wall extend at an angle to one another, wherein when viewed from the side, the interior angle between forward wall 42 and lower wall 48 is an acute angle. However any other shape and configuration is hereby contemplated for use.
In the arrangement shown, opposing sidewalls 50 are generally flat or planar in shape and connect to the outward edges of forward wall 42, rearward wall 44, upper wall 46 and lower wall 48 and extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In the arrangement shown, when viewed from the side, sidewalls 50 take on a generally triangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. However, the triangular shape helps to smoothly guide air flowing through wall 12, perpendicular to the exterior side 16 and interior side 14, to transition from moving laterally to moving downward into mini split system 18 or more specifically into evaporator 20.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower wall 48 is generally planar in shape. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower wall 48, is generally square or rectangular in shape when viewed from above or below. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower wall 48 includes a recess or groove 76 that extends around the upper surface of lower wall 48 just inward from the outward peripheral edge of lower wall 48. This recess or groove 76 is sized and shaped to receive the lower end of housing 40, or more specifically the lower end of forward wall 42, rearward wall 44 and opposing sidewalls 50, therein.
To facilitate quick and easy, yet secure, installation and removal of lower wall 48 on the lower end of housing 40, in one arrangement the lower end of housing 40 fits within the recess or groove 76 with frictional engagement, locking frictional engagement, a secure friction-fit engagement, snapping engagement, or any other manner of connection that holds lower wall 48 on the lower end of housing 40 while also allowing easy removal of lower wall 48 from the lower end of housing 40. In this arrangement, to install lower wall 48 on the lower end of housing 40, the recess or groove 76 in the upper surface of lower wall 48 is aligned with the lower end of housing 40 and sufficient force is applied to fit the lower end of housing 40 within the recess or groove 76 of lower wall 48, thereby frictionally attaching or locking the lower wall 48 onto the housing 40. In this arrangement, to remove lower wall 48 from the lower end of housing 40, sufficient force is applied to overcome the frictional engagement between the lower end of housing 40 and the recess or groove 76 of lower wall 48. Once sufficient force is applied, the lower wall 48 is removed from the housing 40. Once lower wall 48 is removed from housing 40, this provides access to the hollow interior of housing 40 so that it may be cleaned out. In addition, when the lower wall 48 is removed, the filter member 52 may be removed, replaced or cleaned.
In an alternative arrangement, lower wall 48 is non-removable from housing 40. In this arrangement, lower wall 48 may be attached to the lower end of housing 40 by welding, gluing, adhering, friction-fitting, snap-fitting, forming the components (housing 40 and lower wall 48) out of a single continuous and/or monolithic member such as through molding, casting or the like, or by connecting the two components by any other manner, method or means that are non-removable in nature.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, when lower wall 48 is installed on the lower end of housing 40, a lip 78 extends outward a slight distance from the exterior surface of the lower end of housing 40. Lip 78 extends outward from the outward edge of recess or groove 76. This lip 78 facilitates easy removal of lower wall 48 from the lower end of housing 40.
In the arrangement shown, lower wall 48 has an opening 80. In the arrangement shown, as one example, opening 80 is generally centrally positioned within lower wall 48 and like the lower wall 48 itself, opening 80 is generally square or rectangular in shape, however any other size or shape is hereby contemplated for use. Opening 80 allows air that enters the hollow interior of housing 40 to exit the hollow interior of housing 40 through the lower wall 78 and enter the mini split system 18 or more specifically into evaporator 20. In one arrangement, to prevent debris, such as leaves, bugs, dirt, dust and the like, from entering mini split system 18 or more specifically into evaporator 20, this opening 80 is covered by or includes a filter member 52. Filter member 52 is any device which prevents leaves, bugs, dirt, dust and the like from entering mini split system 18 or more specifically into evaporator 20 such as a screen, a filter, a piece of cloth, a piece of felt, a filtering membrane, or any other filtering device or the like. In one arrangement, filter member 52 is removable and replaceable so as to facilitate periodic cleaning of filter member 52 as well as housing 40 in general. In an alternative arrangement, filter member 52 may be placed at any other portion of housing 40, such as within the hollow interior of housing 40, or at the opening 74 in the rearward wall 44, or in the intake 54 or in any other place or position. In addition, a first filter member 52 may be placed within or connected to lower wall 48, and a second filter member 52 may be placed at the opening 74 in rearward wall 44, in intake 54, at the inlet into exterior vent 66 or at any other position on fresh air hood system 38. In this application, the air passing through fresh air hood system 38 is filtered as it enters fresh air hood system 38 and as it exits, thereby providing improved filtering.
In one arrangement, when fresh air hood system 38 is installed on wall 12, a space is left between fresh air hood 38 and mini split system 18. This space allows mini split system 18 to suck air into mini split system 18 that is a combination of fresh air, which is sucked through fresh air hood 38, as well as indoor air. This combination of indoor air and outdoor air is mixed as it passes through the mini split system 18.
In another arrangement, sealing members 53 are positioned around the opening 80 in lower wall 48 and are configured to engage and form a seal with mini split system 18. That is, these sealing members 53 are positioned around opening 80 and between the lower surface of lower wall 48 and the upper surface of mini split system 18. Sealing members 53 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to be attached to one of lower wall 48 or mini split system 18, and form a seal with the other of lower wall 48 and the mini split system 18. The use of sealing members 53 ensures air flow is maximized and controlled through housing 40 with minimal leakage or with controlled leakage. In addition, the use of sealing members 53 between mini split system 18 and lower wall 48 also provides some flexibility and give in the positioning between mini split system 18 and housing 40 that may occur due to variability during installation.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, sealing members 53 are formed of a piece of compressible foam, or strips of foam positioned around the opening in lower wall 48. However any other component or device is hereby contemplated for use as sealing member 53 such as a rubber or foam gasket, woolpile, cloth, rubber or any other flexible or compressible or fitted member that seals to mini split system 18 or more specifically into evaporator 20.
In one arrangement, as is shown, an intake 54 is connected to rearward wall 44. Intake 54 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or a building through wall 12. In one arrangement, as is shown, intake 54 includes a main body 56, a flange 58 and a damper 60 wherein damper 60 has a hinge 62 and a control mechanism 64, among other components. In one arrangement, the intake 54 extends through a wall 12 and connects to an exterior vent 66 to allow fresh outside air to enter a room or building.
In one arrangement, as is shown, intake 54 connects to the rearward wall 44 and extends rearward there from. Intake 54 is configured to extend through wall 12. For ease of installation, in the arrangement shown, intake 54 has a main body 56 that is formed of a generally cylindrical shape that is formed of a common size, so that it is easy to install intake 54 in wall 12 as this standard size is a common tool used by carpenters. As examples, intake 54 is a 2″, 3″ or 4″ diameter pipe, which is common in the carpentry and plumbing industry. In this arrangement, a circular hole is cut through wall 12 of corresponding size to the outer diameter of intake 54, which can easily be done. Once the circular hole is cut in wall 12, the cylindrical intake 54 is inserted through the hole. In one arrangement, the interface between the intake 54 and the hole may be sealed to prevent air leakage such as through the use of a caulk, spray foam, or other sealing member, system or device.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the main body 56 of intake 54 connects to the rearward side of rearward wall 44 at a flange 58. Flange 58 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, flange 58 extends outward from the exterior diameter of main body 56 at the end of main body 56 a distance and in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length of main body 56 thereby forming a planar flange. In this way, the flange 58 of intake 54 connects in planar engagement with the rearward side of rearward wall 44. The increased surface area of engagement between flange 58 and rearward wall 44 facilitates connection of intake 54 to housing 40. In the arrangement shown, the flange 58 is connected to the rearward wall 44 by any manner, method or means, such as screwing, bolting, welding, adhering, riveting, crimping, snap-fitting, or the like. In an alternative arrangement, intake 54 is formed as part of housing 40 as a single, solid, monolithic member that is formed by any manner such as molding, casting, 3D printing, machining, roto-molding, injection molding or the like processes. Intake 54 connects to an opening in rearward wall 44 so as to provide air flow into the hollow interior of housing 40 through the hollow interior of intake 54.
Main body 56 of intake 54 continues to extend in a cylindrical manner from its inward end, or flange 58, to its outward end 59, which is the end opposite flange 58. The cylindrical body 56 of main body 56 of intake 54 may be formed of any length and can be cut to shape. Outward end 59 is configured to connect to exterior vent 66, as is further described herein. Alternatively, additional lengths of tubing may be attached to the outward end of intake 54 to effectively extend the length of intake 54.
To control the amount of air flow that passes though housing 40 a damper 60 is positioned within housing 40 and/or intake 54. In the arrangement shown, as one example, damper 60 is a generally planar device that fits the cylindrical opening in rearward wall 44 and/or main body 56 of intake 54 and is sized and shaped with the rearward wall 44 and/or main body 56 with close and tight tolerances such that when damper 60 is positioned in a perpendicular alignment to the rearward wall 44 and/or main body 56 air flow through housing 40 is effectively stopped or practically stopped, whereas when in a parallel alignment to the length of main body 56, air flow through housing 40 is maximized and the damper 60 effectively provides no resistance to air passage through intake 54.
Damper 60 is infinitely positional between a fully open position (parallel to the length of intake 54) to a fully closed position (perpendicular to the length of intake 54). In one arrangement, the outward edges of damper 60 include a sealing member, similar to sealing member 53, such as foam, woolpile, a gasket or the like, that seals the outer edge of damper 60 to the interior edge of housing 40 and/or main body 54.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the generally circular and planar damper 60 is positioned a distance within main body 56 of intake 54 and connects main body on a hinge 62 positioned on opposing sides of damper 60. Hinge 62 is any device that facilitates the transition of damper 60 between a fully open and fully closed position. In the arrangement shown, as one example, hinge 62 is an axle that connects to main body 56, however any other form of a hinge or hinging member is hereby contemplated for use.
Control Mechanism:
Fresh air hood system 38 has a housing 40 with a forward wall 42, a rearward wall 44, an upper wall 46, a lower wall 48, opposing sidewalls 50, a filter member 52, and an intake 54. Intake 54 has a main body 56, a flange 58, and a damper 60 wherein damper 60 has a hinge 62 and a control mechanism 64, among other components. Control mechanism 64 is any device or system that controls the amount of airflow that passes through housing 40. In this way, control mechanism 64 controls the position of damper 60, between a fully opened and fully closed position and any infinite position there between.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the control mechanism 64 may be a manually operated control mechanism such as a pull string 82. When pulled, pull string 82 moves damper 60 between a fully opened and a fully closed position and to any position there between. In an alternative arrangement, control mechanism 64 may be a lever, a knob, a dial, a push-button, a ratcheting mechanism, a rolling member, a rotating wand or any other device that is configured to manually move damper 60 by manual user interaction.
In an alternative arrangement, to facilitate automation and/or remote control, the control mechanism 64 is an electronic device such as a motor or solenoid that is configured move damper 60 through the application of energy or power. In one arrangement, the control mechanism 64 may be controlled by a direct control 33 (such as buttons, dials, a touch screen or any other control) that is associated with mini split system 18 or fresh air hood system 38. In one arrangement, the control mechanism 64 may by a wireless control 34 that facilitates remote wireless control through the transmission of wireless signals, and/or a wired control 36 that facilities control through the transmission control signals through wired communication. In one arrangement, this electronic device is electrically connected to mini split system 18 through the connection to dry contacts or another electrical connection point associated with mini split system 18. In an alternative arrangement, control mechanism 64 may be controlled through pneumatics or hydraulics or by any other manner, method or means.
In one arrangement, when the control system of mini split system 18 is electrically linked with the electronic control mechanism 64 of fresh air hood system 38, depending on the user-set settings of the mini split system 18, the mini split system 18 electronically controls the position of damper 60. As one example, in this arrangement, when a user sets mini split system 18 to a recirculate air mode, the mini split system 18 controls the electronic control of damper 60 to close the damper 60, or move it to a perpendicular alignment within intake 54. In this position, when the mini split system 18 operates, air is drawn from inside the room through the mini split system 18 and blown back out into the room. As another example, in this arrangement, when a user sets mini split system 18 to a fresh air mode, the mini split system 18 controls the electronic control of damper 60 to open the damper 60, or move it to a parallel alignment within intake 54. In this position, when the mini split system 18 operates, air is drawn from outside the room through intake 54. This fresh air is then moved through the mini split system 18 and blown out into the room. As another example, in this arrangement, when a user sets mini split system 18 to a mixture of recirculated air and fresh air mode, the mini split system 18 controls the electronic control of damper 60 to partially open the damper 60, or move it to an angled alignment within intake 54. In this position, when the mini split system 18 operates, air is partially drawn from outside the room through intake 54 and air is partially drawn from inside the room. This fresh air and recirculated air is then moved through the mini split system 18 and blown out into the room thereby mixing the air.
In one arrangement, control mechanism 64, whether it be a manual control or motorized control, facilitates movement of damper 60 to an infinite number of positions. In another arrangement, control mechanism 64, whether it be a manual control or motorized control, facilitates movement of damper 60 to a predetermined number of predetermined positions, such as fully closed, 25% opened, 50% opened, 75% opened and fully opened, as examples or any other predetermined position.
In an alternative arrangement to the manual control mechanism 64 as well as an alternative arrangement to the motorized control mechanism 64, a barometric control mechanism 84 is used. A barometric control mechanism 84, and the uses pressure and forces to control operation of damper 60. In its basic form, barometric control mechanism 84 is a freely rotating damper 60 positioned within the hollow interior of intake 54. The lower end of damper 60 is weighted such that when no forces are applied to damper 60 (such as a sucking or blowing force) the damper 60 hangs vertically, or perpendicularly to the length of intake 54 thereby blocking or closing the hollow interior of intake 54. This can provide the benefit of blocking exterior noise from coming into the wall 12 through intake 54, as well as prevent bugs or dust from traveling through the intake 54 when mini split system 18 is not operating.
When mini split system 18 is operating, and air is pulled through the mini split system 18 (or more specifically through evaporator 20) the sucking force on damper 60 causes damper 60 to rotate upon hinges 62 thereby allowing air to pass through intake 54. In doing so, the sucking force generated by mini split system 18 is greater than the tendency of the weighted damper 60 to hang vertically due to the position and amount of the weight. When this sucking force goes away (as in the mini split system 18 shuts off) the damper 60 again returns to its natural vertical and blocking state within intake member.
The manner of operation of barometric control mechanism 84 may be adjusted by the amount of weight 86 and the position of weight 86. The greater the weight, and the lower it is on the damper 60 and the farther it is away from the axis of rotation formed by hinges 62, the more the resistive force. Or, said another way, the greater the weighted damper 60 will resist rotating within intake 54 and therefore resist air moving through the intake 54. To reduce this resistance the weigh 86 may be moved upward toward the axis of rotation of damper 60 formed by hinges 62.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, to facilitate adjustment of the position of weight 86 on damper 60 of the barometric control mechanism 84, an adjustment mechanism 88 is used. Adjustment mechanism 88 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate adjustment of the position of weight 86 on damper 60 of barometric control mechanism 84. As the weight 86 is moved downward on damper 60 this causes greater resistance to air flow through intake 54. In contrast, as the weight 86 is moved upward on damper 60 this causes less resistance to air flow through intake 54. In one arrangement, as is shown, weight 86 is a conventional bolt attached to damper 60, however any other form of a weight is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, adjustment mechanism 88 is a plurality of vertically spaced openings along damper 60 that the bolt can be screwed to. In this arrangement, the bolt is screwed to the desired opening that provides the desired amount of resistance. In another arrangement, as is shown, adjustment mechanism 88 is a rail that the bolt slides in and is tightened in place in the desired position, which provides infinite adjustment. Any other manner of adjusting the amount of weight 86 or position of the weigh 86 on damper 60 is hereby contemplated for use.
In an alternative arrangement, a spring may be used to apply a force on damper 60 thereby holding damper 60 in a closed position while allowing damper 60 to rotate when force is applied to damper 60.
Exterior Vent:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes an exterior vent 66. Exterior vent 66 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to allow fresh air to flow into a room or a building. In one arrangement, as is shown, the exterior vent 66 is connected to the fresh air hood system 38 or more specifically to the end of main body 56 of intake 54 on the exterior side 16 of wall 12. Vent 66 is configured to facilitate the transfer of fresh air into a room or building while preventing birds, dust, debris and water from entering the fresh air hood system 38.
In Operation:
In operation, to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building, a fresh air hood system 38 works in concert with a mini split system 18. Mini split system 18 comprises evaporator 20 and condenser 22 among many other components.
Evaporator 20 is connected to the interior side 14 of a wall 12 and a condenser 22 is located outside of the building. Condenser 22 is directly connected to the evaporator 20 through one or more conduits 24 including one or more drain lines 26, refrigerant lines 28, and electric lines 30. Condenser 22 applies pressure to refrigerant, which is then dispersed through refrigerant lines 28 that are connected to the evaporator 20. Evaporator 20 allows for the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas and transfer cool air into a room or building.
A fresh air hood system 38 has a housing 40 with a forward wall 42, a rearward wall 44, an upper wall 46, a lower wall 48, opposing sidewalls 50, a filter member 52, and an intake 54. The fresh air hood system 38 is mounted on the interior side 14 of a wall 12 and the intake 54 is directly connected to an exterior vent 66 allowing the fresh air hood system 38 to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building. In one arrangement, as shown, the fresh air hood system 38 is located ¼ to ½ inch above the evaporator 20, or the like. The fresh air hood system 38 pulls a controlled amount of fresh air through the exterior vent 66 and allows the fresh outdoor air to enter into the evaporator 20.
Intake 54 has a main body 56, a flange 58, and a damper 60 wherein the damper 60 has a hinge 62 and a control mechanism 64, among other components. In one arrangement, as shown, the intake 54 extends through a wall 12 and connects to an exterior vent 66 to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building.
Next, the control mechanism 64 provides a user with the ability to control the amount of fresh air entering the room or building. In one arrangement, as shown, the control mechanism 64 may be a manually operated control mechanism such as a pull string. In an alternative arrangement, the control mechanism 64 may be a wireless control 34, such as a conventional remote control that transmits radio frequency signals over the air to the fresh air hood system 38. The user adjusts the control mechanism 64 to the desired position such that the desired amount of fresh air is allowed to enter through the fresh air hood system 38. When the damper 60 is open and the fan of the evaporator is on, air is pulled through the exterior vent 66 on the exterior of wall 12. This air passes through the hollow interior of intake 54 and around damper 60. This air then enters the hollow interior of housing 40 through the opening in the rearward wall 44 of housing 40 and then passes out the opening in the lower wall 48 and through the filter member 52. As the air transitions from the intake 54 to out the lower wall 48 the angled surface of forward wall 42 helps to guide the air from a lateral direction of movement to a downward direction of movement. As the air exits the opening in the lower wall 48 of the housing 40 the sealing members 53 help to guide the air into the evaporator 20. When the user desires to adjust the amount of fresh air the fresh air hood system 38 allows in to the room, the user adjusts the position of damper 60 through the use of control mechanism 64.
In this way the system 10 is used to facilitate the transfer of a controlled amount of fresh air into a room or building and all of the objectives of the disclosure are met.
In an alternative arrangement, when the control mechanism 64 is a barometric control mechanism 84, when the mini split system 18 begins operating, and a sucking force is generated, the damper with weight 86 rotates allowing fresh air to be sucked through exterior vent 66, through intake 54, through housing 40 and into evaporator 20. When the mini split system 18 again shuts off, and the sucking force stops, the damper 60 again returns to a natural closed position.
It is to be understood that while the fresh air hood system 38 may be made of a plurality of pieces that are joined together by any manner, method or means such as screwing, bolting, gluing, adhering, welding or the like. Alternatively, the fresh air hood system 38 may be formed of a single piece that is formed as a single unit, such as through molding or machining. Alternately, the fresh air hood system 38 may be formed of any number of parts.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It is intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims, and the full scope of equivalents thereof.
This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/568,064 which was filed on Oct. 4, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein fully by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62568064 | Oct 2017 | US |
