Patent Application
20240175601
This application claims priority from and the benefit of India Provisional Application Serial No. 202221068926, entitled “A JAMB FRAME MEMBER FOR LOUVERS,” filed Nov. 30, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure and are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature and humidity, for occupants of the respective environments. An HVAC system may control the environmental properties through control of an air flow delivered to and/or ventilated from a space. For example, the HVAC system may place the air flow in a heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant of a vapor compression circuit. The air flow may be directed through the HVAC system via a louver assembly. The louver assembly may include blades that are implemented to block certain elements, such as debris and precipitation, from flowing through the louver assembly, and the blades may be disposed within a frame of the louver assembly. It is now recognized that an improved louver assembly design is desirable to improve drainage of debris and/or precipitation out of the louver assembly, while enabling desired air flow through the louver assembly.
A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
In one embodiment, a jamb frame member for a louver assembly includes a frame body having a series of main panels that extend in a direction of an airflow through the louver assembly, wherein the series of main panels are coupled together by one or more connector panels that extend transversely to the direction of the airflow, and a plurality of slanted walls extending at an angle from one of the main panels in an upstream direction relative to the direction of the airflow through the louver assembly. Each of the plurality of slanted walls and the one of the main panels at least partially define a channel configured to receive and direct fluid out of the jamb frame member.
In another embodiment, a louver assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a plurality of louver blades configured to collect liquid and/or solid particles, where each louver blade includes one or more cavities and one or more slanted portions. The louver assembly also includes a frame assembly comprising a first jamb frame member and a second jamb frame member. Each jamb frame member is configured to direct the liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades out of the louver assembly. Each of the first jamb frame member and the second jamb frame member includes a first plurality of channels defined by one or more slanted walls and a second plurality of channels defined by one or more intermediate walls.
In another embodiment, a jamb frame member of a louver assembly includes a frame body comprising a series of main panels that extend in a direction of an airflow through the louver assembly and one or more connecting panels that extend crosswise to the direction of the airflow. The jamb frame member further includes a plurality of pocket sections at least partially defined by the frame body, where each of the plurality of pocket sections comprises a first plurality of channels. The jamb frame member further includes a plurality intermediate channel sections at least partially defined by the frame body, where each of the plurality of intermediate channel sections comprises a second plurality of channels. The jamb frame member further includes a plurality of slanted channel sections at least partially defined by the frame body, where each of the plurality of slanted channel sections comprises a third plurality of channels. The first plurality of channels, the second plurality of channels, and the third plurality of channels are configured to receive and direct liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly.
One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the property value may be within +/−5%, within +/−4%, within +/−3%, within +/−2%, within +/−1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to convey that the given feature is within +/−5%, within +/−4%, within +/−3%, within +/−2%, within +/−1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Further, it should be understood that mathematical terms, such as “planar,” “slope,” “perpendicular,” “parallel,” and so forth are intended to encompass features of surfaces or elements as understood to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be rigidly interpreted as might be understood in the mathematical arts. For example, two components having respective axes that are “parallel” with one another is intended to encompass the axes of the components extending substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within related tolerances) without definitively being mathematically parallel.
The present disclosure is directed to a louver assembly for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The louver assembly may enable air flow into and/or out of the HVAC system or another enclosed space. For instance, the louver assembly may be disposed at an inlet of the HVAC system to enable control of an air flow from an ambient environment into the HVAC system. The HVAC system may condition the air flow by adding and/or removing heat from the air flow. The louver assembly may additionally or alternatively be disposed at an outlet of the HVAC system to enable control of an air flow directed out of the HVAC system, such as to condition a space serviced by the HVAC system and/or to discharge an exhaust air flow. In further embodiments, the louver assembly may be configured to control an air flow within the HVAC system, such as between different components or portions of the HVAC system.
The louver assembly may include a frame (e.g., defined by frame members) and one or more louver blades secured to (e.g., secured within) the frame. The frame may be coupled to another component of the HVAC system, such as to an air handler, ductwork, a support structure, a housing, and/or a heat exchanger, to enable control of air flow through the HVAC system. The one or more louver blades may be disposed (e.g., positioned) within the frame and may be arranged to block liquid (e.g., fluid) and/or solid particles, including precipitation, dirt, and/or other debris, from passing through the louver assembly and into the HVAC system or another enclosed space. Indeed, it may be desirable to block liquid and/or solid particles from entering the HVAC system or enclosed space. For instance, the louver assembly may be subject to various standards and/or certifications indicative of an ability of the louver assembly to block liquid and/or solid particles from passing through the louver assembly. As an example, the louver assembly may be subject to criteria of the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) 550 standard for wind-driven rain resistance, in which the performance of the louver assembly during simulated rainfall at various wind speeds (e.g., 35 miles per hour, 70 miles per hour, 90 miles per hour, 110 miles per hour) is evaluated. The performance of the louver assembly may be assessed based on an amount or rate of water (e.g., 22 centimeters or 8.8 inches per hour) that passes through the louver assembly during simulated conditions.
To facilitate the removal of liquid and/or solid particles (e.g., precipitation, dirt, and/or debris) from the louver assembly, the frame of the louver assembly may employ one or more jamb frame members. For example, a first jamb frame member may define a first side of the frame and may be configured to engage with a first side of a louver blade, and a second jamb frame member may define a second side of the frame opposite the first side and may be configured to engage with a second side of the louver blade such that each louver blade extends in a direction (e.g., substantially horizontal direction) from the first jamb frame member to the second jamb frame member. Each of the jamb frame members may receive liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades, and direct (e.g., drain, guide) the liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly. However, certain jamb frame members of existing louver assemblies may not adequately guide (e.g., receive and direct, drain) liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades out of the louver assembly, thereby enabling liquid and/or solid particles to be entrained into the HVAC system, which may be undesirable. For example, existing jamb frame members may not adequately retain liquid and/or solid particles directed into the jamb frame members (e.g., via the louver blades) before the liquid and/or solid particles are directed out of the louver assembly. Instead, as an air flow is directed through such traditional louver assemblies, the liquid and/or solid particles directed toward the jamb frame members and/or received by the jamb frame members may be mobilized back toward the louver blades and ultimately into the HVAC system via wind vortexes generated by the incoming air flow. As the liquid and/or solid particles are redirected back toward the louver blades of such traditional systems, the liquid and/or solid particles may be entrained into the HVAC system, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the louver assembly and the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Thus, it is presently recognized that improved louver assemblies having jamb frame members configured to adequately receive, retain, and direct liquid and/or solid particles away from the louver assembly are desired. Accordingly, present embodiments are directed toward a louver assembly having one or more jamb frame members configured to adequately or desirably receive and direct liquid and/or solid particles collected (e.g., captured) by the louver blades out of the louver assembly, thereby improving the performance of the louver assembly and the efficiency of an HVAC system incorporating the louver assembly. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a jamb frame member having a body portion and one or more extensions extending from the body portion of the jamb frame member, each of the one or more extensions may at least partially define one or more channels extending in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) along a height of a respective jamb frame member. Each of the channels may be configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles (e.g., precipitation and/or debris) collected by the louver blades and direct the liquid and/or solid particles to a sill frame of the louver assembly. The sill frame member may then remove the liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly (e.g., via a drain fluidly coupled to the sill frame member). In this way, the louver assembly may reduce an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from passing through the louver assembly and the HVAC system.
In certain embodiments, the jamb frame member may include one or more slanted (e.g., angled) extensions extending from a body portion (e.g., outer wall) of the jamb frame member at an angle relative to a direction of an air flow directed through the louver assembly. Each of the slanted extensions may at least partially define a channel configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades of the louver assembly. Further, each of the channels defined by the slanted extensions may extend for a height of the jamb frame member in a direction along a vertical axis of the louver assembly and may be configured to align with one or more recesses or cavities of the louver blades extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along a lateral axis of the louver assembly, thereby enabling liquid and/or solid particles collected by the recesses and cavities of the louver blades to be directed toward the channels defined by the slanted extensions. In this way, as liquid and/or solid particles are directed into the channels, the slanted extensions may limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from escaping the channel due to, for example, wind and/or other natural or artificial forces. For example, as an air flow is directed across the louver assembly, liquid and/or solid particles collected by the channels of the jamb frame member may swirl around within the channel before being directed toward the sill frame member. Traditionally (e.g., in traditional systems having channels without slanted extensions), as the liquid and/or solid particles swirl around within a channel, a portion of the liquid and/or solid particles may be redirected back toward the louver blades and into the HVAC system (e.g., the air flow may carry liquid and/or solid particles out of the channel and back toward the louver blades) instead of being directed toward the sill frame member. By employing the slanted extensions, an increased amount of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the channels may be retained within the channels and ultimately directed toward the sill frame member as compared to traditional systems having non-slanted extensions.
Additionally, the presently disclosed jamb frame members may include smaller, intermediate channels aligned with a slanted portion of the louver blade (e.g., portion of louver blade that does not include cavities or recesses), thereby increasing an amount of contact between the louver blade and the jamb frame member. In this way, liquid and/or solid particles collected by the slanted portions of each louver blade may be directed into the intermediate channels, which may ultimately direct the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member and out of the louver assembly. Thus, each portion of a louver blade (e.g., slanted portion, portion having a cavity or recess) may have a corresponding channel configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blade and configured to redirect the liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly. In certain embodiments, the channels defined by the slanted extensions may be larger relative to the intermediate channels aligned with the slanted portion of the louver blades. For example, as noted above, the channels defined by the slanted extensions may be configured to align with recesses or cavities of the louver blades that are configured to collect liquid and/or solid particles directed across the louver blade. The recesses or cavities or the louver blades may be configured to retain greater amounts of liquid and/or solid particles relative to the slanted portion of the louver blade. Thus, the channels aligned with the recesses or cavities of the louver blade (e.g., channels defined by the slanted extensions) may be larger to accommodate the larger amounts of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the cavities and recesses of the louver blade.
In certain embodiments, the slanted extensions that define the larger channels may also include a shoe structure disposed at a distal end of the slanted extension. The shoe structure may include branching portions that extend from the slanted extension in varying directions. For example, a first branching portion of a slanted extension associated with a particular channel may extend in an upstream direction relative to an air flow directed through the louver assembly such that the first branching portion provides a downstream barrier for the particular channel. Further, the show structure may include a second branching portion of the slanted extension associated with the particular channel, and the second branching portion may extend in a downstream direction relative to an air flow directed through the louver assembly such that the second branching portion partially extends into an adjacent channel disposed downstream of the particular channel, thereby providing an upstream barrier for the adjacent channel disposed downstream of the particular channel. In this way, the branching portions of a shoe structure may further reduce a likelihood of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the channels defined by the slanted extensions from being redirected back toward the louver blades (e.g., reduce a likelihood of liquid and/or solid particles from being carried out of the channel and back to the louver blade by an air flow directed across the louver assembly). Additionally, each of the branching portions of a particular shoe structure may define an additional, smaller channel that may further collect and direct liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member. For example, the branching portions of each shoe structure may provide additional surfaces for liquid and/or solid particles to be captured via, for example, adhesion.
In certain embodiments, the presently disclosed jamb frame member may also include one or more pockets configured to collect and direct liquid and/or solid particles received by a louver blade toward the sill frame member. For example, a first pocket may be positioned at an upstream side of the louver assembly relative to a direction of the airflow through the louver assembly, and a second pocket positioned at a downstream side of the louver assembly relative to the direction of the airflow through the louver assembly. The first and second pockets may be configured to collect and direct liquid and/or solid particles captured by the louver blades toward the sill frame member. In certain embodiments, each of the first and second pockets may be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from overflowing out of the louver assembly. For example, each of the first and second pockets may define a volume configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles collected by the jamb frame member. In certain embodiments, the volume of the first and second pockets may be greater than a volume of the channels defined by the slanted extensions and/or the intermediate channels, thereby enabling the pockets to accommodate increased amounts of liquid and/or solid particles. In this way, an amount of liquid and/or solid particles overflowing from the jamb frame members may be reduced. Further, in certain embodiments, each of the first and second pockets may include extensions or walls that extend into or from the pockets, and each of the extensions may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles within the pockets, as described in greater detail below.
Turning now to the drawings,
In the illustrated embodiment, a building 10 is air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unit 12. The building 10 may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unit 12 is disposed on the roof of the building 10; however, the HVAC unit 12 may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building 10 and/or on a side of the building 10. The HVAC unit 12 may be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may be part of a split HVAC system, which includes an outdoor HVAC unit and an indoor HVAC unit.
The HVAC unit 12 in the illustrated embodiment is an air-cooled device that implements a refrigeration or vapor compression cycle to provide conditioned air to the building 10. Specifically, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit 12 is a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building 10. After the HVAC unit 12 conditions the air, the air is supplied to the building 10 via ductwork 14 extending throughout the building 10 from the HVAC unit 12. For example, the ductwork 14 may extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building 10. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building 10 with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream.
A control device 16, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device 16 also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork 14. For example, the control device 16 may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit 12 or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building 10 that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork 14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device 16 may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building 10.
As discussed above, the present disclosure is directed to a louver assembly that includes a frame or a frame assembly and louver blades disposed within the frame and having a geometry and configuration that enables desired flow of air through the louver assembly while also blocking liquid and/or solid particles from flowing through the louver assembly. For example, the louver blades may include extensions and/or protrusions that form recesses (e.g., cavities) configured to receive, capture, and direct liquid and/or solid particles toward components of the frame. For example, the frame may include one or more jamb frame members coupled to the louver blades. The jamb frame members may have multiple types of channels that align with components of the louver blades (e.g., recesses and/or cavities of the louver blades, slanted portions of the louver blades), and the channels may be configured to guide (e.g., receive and direct) the liquid and/or solid particles captured by the louver blades toward a sill frame member of the frame, as described in greater detail below. The sill frame member may then discharge the liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly. In this manner, components of the frame (e.g., jamb frame members) may enable improved drainage of liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly, thereby enabling improved efficiency of the HVAC system.
With this in mind,
The louver assembly 50 may further include blades or louver blades 58 (e.g. vanes, fins, shutters, slats) that are coupled to the frame assembly 52, such as to the jamb frame members 54. Each of the louver blades 58 may span across the opening 60 (e.g., air flow path through the frame assembly 52) and may be configured to block liquid and/or solid particles (e.g., liquid and/or solid particles carried by the air flow) from passing through the louver assembly 50 via the opening 60. In certain embodiments, the louver blades 58 may have a shape, contour, or other geometry configured to block the flow of the liquid and/or solid particles through the opening 60. For instance, the louver blades 58 may include extensions and/or protrusions defining recesses and or cavities configured to trap liquid and/or solid particles and to guide the particles toward the jamb frame members 54. Each of the jamb frame members 54 may include channels configured to align with components of the louver blades 58, thereby enabling the jamb frame members 54 to guide (e.g., receive and direct) the liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades 58 to the sill frame member 56 to be exited from the frame assembly 52. For example, the jamb frame members 54 may direct the liquid and/or solid particles onto a surface 62 of the sill frame member 56 via a gravitational force, and the surface 62 may direct the liquid and/or solid particles away from the louver assembly 50 via an opening formed between the sill frame member 56 and one of the louver blades 58 adjacent thereto. Additionally, the louver blades 58 may enable air flow through the louver assembly 50 via the opening 60, which may enable efficient operation of the HVAC unit 12. For example, openings (e.g., gaps, spaces) formed between the louver blades 58 may enable a desired amount or quality of air flow through the louver assembly 50.
As noted above, an air flow 80 may be directed through the louver assembly 50 (e.g., through the opening 60) in a direction 82 (e.g., generally horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74, and the louver blades 58 may include features configured to capture (e.g., trap) liquid and/or solid particles carried by the air flow 80. It should be noted that reference to the direction 82 of the airflow 80 through the louver assembly 50 indicates that the louver assembly 50 is configured to receive and direct the airflow 80 in the direction 82 and not necessarily that the airflow 80 is present. Each louver blade 58 may include a first segment 110 (e.g., first portion, first slanted portion, upstream portion), a second segment 111 (e.g., second portion, middle portion, hook portion), and a third segment 112 (e.g., second portion, second slanted portion, downstream portion). Each segment 110, 111, 112 may have or define geometries, profiles, and/or features that are configured to block liquid and/or solid particles from passing through the louver assembly 50 (e.g., across the louver blade 58 in the direction 82) in an assembled configuration of the louver blade 58 with the frame assembly 52. For example, the first segment 110 may have a sloped portion 114 (e.g., angled portion, inclined portion) that is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 74 extending through the louver assembly 50. The sloped portion 114 may create a barrier configured to block a flow of liquid and/or solid particles and/or deflect liquid and/or solid particles away from the louver assembly 50, such as away from a space downstream of the louver assembly 50 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 (e.g., toward an interior of the HVAC system 12).
In certain embodiments, the first segment 110 may include an extension 116 extending from the sloped portion 114 proximate the first edge 100 (e.g., upstream edge of the louver blade 58) in a direction (e.g., vertically upward direction) along the vertical axis 70 to block liquid and/or solid particles flowing toward the sloped portion 114 along the direction 82. The extension 116 may form (e.g., define) a recess 118 (e.g., cavity, basin, trough) in the first segment 110 between the extension 116 and the sloped portion 114. Liquid and/or solid particles may impinge against the sloped portion 114, and the sloped portion 114 may direct the liquid and/or solid particles to flow into the recess 118 via gravitational force. The recess 118 may then guide the liquid and/or solid particles to flow (e.g., along a length or width of the louver blade 58) toward the jamb frame members 54 and out of the louver assembly 50 (e.g., instead of onto an adjacent louver blade 58), as described in greater detail below.
The second segment 111 may include base portion 120, a first protrusion 121 extending from the base portion 120, and a second protrusion 122 (e.g., extension, hook) extending from the base portion 120 that collectively define a cavity 124 of the second segment 111. In certain embodiments, the second protrusion 122 may have a curvilinear profile configured to facilitate blockage and/or collection of liquid and/or solid particles entrained within the air flow 80. For example, the cavity 124 may be arranged along the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50, and the second protrusion 122 may be configured to block, capture, or trap liquid and/or solid particles entrained within the air flow 80, thereby limiting the liquid and/or solid particles from being directed through the louver assembly 50 (e.g., an into an interior of the HVAC system 12). Further, the first protrusion 121 may interact with the second protrusion 122 to retain liquid and/or solid particles collected by the cavity 124. The liquid and/or solid particles captured by the cavity 124 may then be directed toward the jamb frame members 54 and out of the louver assembly 50, as described in greater detail below.
The third segment 112 may also have a sloped portion 126 (e.g., angled portion, inclined portion) that is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 74 extending through the louver assembly 50. The sloped portion 126 may configured to guide liquid and/or solid particles impinging upon the sloped portion 126 toward one or more cavities of the third segment 112. For example, the third segment 112 may include a first extension 128 and a second extension 130 positioned proximate the second edge 102 of the louver blade 58. The first extension 128 may extend from a first side (e.g., upper surface) of the third segment 112 in a direction (e.g., at least partially in an upward direction) at least partially along the vertical axis 70. The second extension 130 may extend from a second side (e.g., lower surface) of the third segment 112 in a direction (e.g., at least partially downward direction) at least partially along the vertical axis 70. The first extension 128 may define a first cavity 132 (e.g., first recess) of the third segment 112 between the sloped portion 126 and the first extension 128, and the second extension may define a second cavity 134 (e.g., second recess) of the third segment 112 between the sloped portion 126 and the second extension 130. The first and second cavities 132, 134 may be configured to collect liquid and/or solid particles that impact and/or impinge against the louver blade 58 before directing the liquid and/or solid particles to flow toward the jamb frame members 54 and out of the louver assembly 50, as described in greater detail below.
Upon capturing the liquid and/or solid particles, the louver blades 58 may direct the particles toward the edges 100, 102, 104, 106 of the louver blades 58 and toward the jamb frame members 54. The jamb frame members 54 may then guide the liquid and/or solid particles to the sill frame member 56 and away from the louver assembly 50. In certain embodiments, each of the jamb frame members 54 may include one or more sections or portions having channels configured to align with an aspect of the louver blades 58 (e.g., sloped portion 114, sloped portion 126, recess 118, cavity 124, first and second cavities 132, 134), thereby facilitating removal of the liquid and/or solid particles captured by the louver blades 58. For example, the jamb frame member 54 may include a body 197 (e.g., outer wall) having a first end 202 (e.g., upstream end), a second end 203 (e.g., downstream end), one or more main panels 201 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 of the louver assembly 50 (e.g., in a direction 82 of the airflow 80), and one or more connecting panels 241 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72 of the louver assembly 50 (e.g., in a direction traverse or crosswise to the direction 82 of the airflow 80). In certain embodiments, the one or more main panels 201 are coupled together by the one or more connector panels 241 such that at least one of the main panels 201 is offset from at least another of the main panels 201 in a direction transverse to the direction 82 of the airflow 80. The body 197 may at least partially define one or more pocket sections 204, one or more intermediate channel sections 206, and one or more slanted channel sections 208. Each of the sections 204, 206, 208 may include various features (e.g., extensions, slanted extensions) that define channels configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58. In certain embodiments, one or more of the sections 204, 206, 208 may be configured to align with one or more features (e.g., recesses, cavities, sloped portions) of the louver blades 58, thereby enabling the channels of the sections 204, 206, 208 to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58 and guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56 and out of the louver assembly 50, as described in greater detail below.
A second pocket section 204 may include a second pocket 218 configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58 and/or from adjacent sections (e.g., intermediate channel sections 206, slanted channel sections 208) of the jamb frame member 198. The body 197 (e.g., one or more connecting panels 241 and a main panel 201) may at least partially define the second pocket 218, and the second pocket 218 may be positioned proximate the second end 203 of the jamb frame member 198 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 directed through the louver assembly 50. Similar to the first pocket 210, the second pocket 218 may be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from overflowing from the jamb frame member 198 and into the louver assembly 50 (e.g., in the direction 82 of the air flow 80). To this end, the second pocket 218 may also include an extension 220 extending from the pocket 218 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72 of the louver assembly 50. The extension 220 may be configured to facilitate retention of liquid and/or solid particles within the pocket 218, such that the liquid and/or solid particles do not overflow into an air flow path of the air flow 80 (e.g., into the opening 60).
Each intermediate channel section 206 may include one or more extensions 230 (e.g., walls, intermediate walls) extending from the body 197 (e.g., extending from a main panel 201 of the body 197) in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72 of the louver assembly 50. Each extension 230 may at least partially define one or more intermediate channels 232 configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58 and guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56. Each of the intermediate channels 232 may extend along a height of the louver assembly 50 in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) along the vertical axis 70. As noted above, in certain embodiments, each of the intermediate channel sections 206 may be configured to align with a sloped portion of a respective louver blade 58. For example, the sloped portion 114 of the first segment 110 of each louver blade 58 may align with a first intermediate channel section 206 of the jamb frame member 198, and the sloped portion 126 of the third segment 112 of each louver blade 58 may align with a second intermediate channel section 206 of the jamb frame member 198. In this way, liquid and/or solid particles impinging upon the sloped portion 114 and/or the sloped portion 126 of the louver blade 58 may be directed toward the intermediate channels 232 of the intermediate channel sections 206, thereby enabling the intermediate channels 232 to guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56 and out of the louver assembly 50.
Each slanted channel section 208 may include one or more slanted walls 240 (e.g., slanted extensions) extending from the body 197 (e.g., extending from a main panel 201 of the body 197) and one or more connecting panels 241 of the body 197. In certain embodiments, the connecting panels 241 of the body 197 may serve as end walls 241 of a respective slanted channel section 208 and may extend in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72 (e.g., crosswise to the direction 82 of the airflow 80). The slanted walls 240 may be oriented at an angle relative to the lateral axis 72 such that the slanted walls 240 extend from a main panel 201 of the body 197 in an upstream direction toward the incoming air flow 80. For example, each slanted wall 240 may include a first end 242 (e.g., coupled end) and a second end 244 (e.g., free end, distal end), and the second end 244 may be positioned upstream of the first end 242 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50. Each of the slanted walls 240 extending from the body 197 may at least partially define one or more slanted channels 246 configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58 and guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56. Each of the slanted channels 246 may extend along a height of the louver assembly 50 in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) along the vertical axis 70. As noted above, in certain embodiments, each of the slanted channel sections 208 may be configured to align with features of a respective louver blade 58. For example, the recess 118 of the first segment 110 of each louver blade 58 may be configured to align with a first slanted channel section 208, the cavity 124 of the second segment 111 of each louver blade 58 may be configured to align with a second slanted channel section 208, and each of the first and second cavities 132, 134 of the third segment 112 of each louver blade 58 may be configured to align with a third slanted channel section 208 of the jamb frame member 58. In this way, liquid and/or solid particles collected by the recess 118 and/or the cavities 124, 132, 134 of the louver blades 58 may be directed toward the slanted channels 246 of the slanted channel sections 208, thereby enabling the slanted channels 246 to guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56 and out of the louver assembly 50.
In certain embodiments, the jamb frame member 198 may also include mounting fixtures 248 (e.g. mounting holes, holes, brackets, supports). The mounting fixtures 248 may be configured to mount a jamb frame member 198 to other components of the frame assembly 52. For example, the mounting fixtures 248 may be configured to couple the jamb frame member 198 to a head frame member 55 via a fastener extending through the head frame member 55 and into the mounting fixture 248. In certain embodiments, the mounting fixtures 248 may extend along a height of the jamb frame member 198 in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) along the vertical axis 70. Thus, in certain embodiments, the mounting fixtures 248 may also be configured to couple the jamb frame member 198 to a sill frame member 56 via a fastener extending through the sill frame member 56 and into the mounting fixture 248. It should be noted that while the illustrated jamb frame member 198 includes two pocket sections 204, three intermediate channel sections 206, and two slanted channel sections 208, in other embodiments, the jamb frame member 198 may include fewer or more of each of the respective sections 204, 206, 208 configured to align with one or more features of the louver blade 58 to facilitate removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly 50.
As noted above, in certain embodiments, each of the slanted walls 240 may extend from the main panel 201 of the body 197 for a distance 243 (e.g., length) at an angle 250 relative to the lateral axis 72 such that each slanted wall 240 extends from the body 201 in an upstream direction toward the incoming air flow 80. For example, the second end 244 of a respective slanted wall 240 may be positioned upstream of the first end 242 of the respective slanted wall 240 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50 such that the slanted wall 240 extends from the first end 242 to the second end 244 at the angle 250. Each of the channels 246 defined by the slanted walls 240, the main panel 201, and/or the connecting panels 241 may be configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58 and guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56 of the frame assembly 52. Further, each of the slanted walls 240 at least partially defining the channels 246 may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles received by the channels 246 within the channels 246. For example, as the air flow 80 is directed through the louver assembly 50, turbulence (e.g., wind vortexes) may be generated within each of the channels 246, and the turbulence may encourage liquid and/or solid particles collected within a respective channel 246 to prematurely exit the channel 246 and flow back toward the louver blades 58 (e.g., into the opening 60). In turn, the air flow 80 may carry the liquid and/or solid particles in the direction 82 through the louver assembly 60 and into an interior of the HVAC system 12, which may be undesirable.
By employing the slanted walls 240, the channels 246 at least partially defined by the slanted walls 240 may enable improved retention of liquid and/or solid particles directed into the channels 246. For example, as the air flow 80 impinges against the slanted walls 240, the air flow 80 may first contact the second end 244 of each slanted wall 240. Because the slanted walls 240 are oriented at the angle 250, upon contacting the second end 244 of each slanted wall 240, the air flow 80 may then be biased toward the first end 242 of each slanted wall 240 such that the air flow 80 travels along an air flow path 260 (e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction) within each respective channel 246. As the air flow 80 travels along the air flow path 260, forces generated by the air flow 80 may cause the liquid and/or solid particles collected by a respective channel 246 to be retained within the channel 246, thereby enabling the liquid and/or solid particles to be directed toward the sill frame member 56, as described above.
In certain embodiments, the slanted walls 240 may include a shoe 270 (e.g., shoe structure) disposed on the second end 244 of each slanted wall 240 to facilitate collection, retention, and/or removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly 50. The shoe structure 270 may include a first branching portion 272 (e.g. first leg, first protrusion, first extension, upstream portion) extending from the second end 244 of a respective slanted wall 240 in an upstream direction relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80, and a second branching portion 274 (e.g., second leg, second protrusion, second extension, downstream portion) extending from the second end 244 of a respective slanted wall 240 in a downstream direction relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80. Each first branching portion 272 may at least partially extend into a channel 246 positioned upstream of the first branching portion 272 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50, and the first branching portion 272 may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles received by the channel 246. In certain embodiments, the first branching portion 272 may serve as a first point of contact for liquid and/or solid particles directed toward the jamb frame member 198 via the louver blades 58. For example, liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades may be directed toward the slanted walls 240, and the liquid and/or solid particles may adhere to the first branching portion 272 before being directed into the channel 246. As noted above, as the air flow 80 travels along the air flow path 260 (e.g., as the air flow 80 impinges against the first branching portion 272 of a respective shoe 270), the air flow 80 may force liquid and/or solid particles adhered to the first branching portion 272 into the channel 246, thereby enabling the channel 246 to direct the liquid and/or solid particles toward the sill frame member 56 and out of the louver assembly 50.
Each second branching portion 274 may at least partially extend into a channel 246 disposed downstream of the second branching portion 274 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50. The second branching portion 274 may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles received by the channel 246. For example, as the air flow 80 travels along the air flow path 260, liquid and/or solid particles collected by a respective channel 246 may be directed toward the second branching portion 274. In turn, the second branching portion 274 may retain the liquid and/or solid particles within the channel 246 and block the liquid and/or solid particles from prematurely exiting the channel 246. Thus, the second branching portion 274 of a respective shoe 270 may serve as a barrier configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from being redirected back toward the louver blades 58 and into the opening 60. In certain embodiments, the first and second branching portions 272, 274 may also collectively define a channel 276 that may be configured to receive and guide additional liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly 50. For example, as liquid and/or solid particles are directed toward the shoe 270, a portion of the liquid and/or solid particles may adhere to a portion of the first branching portion 272 (e.g., an apex of the first branching portion 272). In turn, as the air flow 80 travels in the direction 82, liquid and/or solid particles adhering to the apex of the first branching portion 272 may not be directed inwardly toward a main panel 201 of the body 197 of the jamb frame member 198, and instead may be carried downstream of the first branching portion 272 toward the second branching portion 274 of a respective shoe 270. Thus, the channel 276 may be configured to receive the liquid and/or solid particles directed downstream of the first branching portion 272, thereby enabling such liquid and/or solid particles to be exited from the louver assembly, as described above.
In certain embodiments, the channels 246 defined by a slanted wall 240 and connecting panel 241 may also include features configured to facilitate collection and retention of liquid and/or solid particles within the channels 246. For example, the first connecting panel 241 (e.g., upstream end wall) that at least partially defines the first channel 246 (e.g., most upstream channel 246 of a respective slanted channel section 208 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80) may include a protrusion 280 configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles collected by the first channel 246. The protrusion 280 may extend in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, downstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 from the first connecting panel 241 into the first channel 246. The protrusion 280 may be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from prematurely exiting the channel 246 before the liquid and/or solid particles are directed toward the sill frame member 56. For example, similar to the second branching portion 274 of a respective shoe 270, as the air flow 80 travels along the air flow path 260, liquid and/or solid particles collected by the first channel 246 may be directed toward the protrusion 280. In turn, the protrusion 280 may retain the liquid and/or solid particles within the first channel 246 and block the liquid and/or solid particles from prematurely exiting the first channel 246. Thus, the protrusion 280 may serve as a barrier configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from being redirected out of the first channel 246 and back toward the louver blades 58 and/or into the opening 60. The second connecting panel 241 (e.g., downstream end wall) that at least partially defines the fifth channel 246 (e.g., most downstream channel 246 of a respective slanted channel section 208) may also include a protrusion 282 configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles collected by the fifth channel 246. The protrusion 282 may extend in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, upstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 from the second connecting panel 241 into the fifth channel 246 (e.g., most downstream channel of the respective slanted channel section 208). The protrusion 282 may be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from prematurely exiting the channel 246 before the liquid and/or solid particles are directed toward the sill frame member 56.
As noted above, in certain embodiments, each of the slanted channel sections 208 may be configured to align with one or more components of the louver blades 58 along the lateral axis 72. For example, in certain embodiments, the slanted channel section 208 may align with the recess 118 of a louver blade, the cavity 124 of a louver blade 58, and/or the cavities 132, 134 of a louver blade 58. Because the recess 118 and/or cavities 124, 132, 134 of a respective louver blade 58 are configured to trap and retain greater amounts of liquid and/or solid particles compared to other portions of the louver blade 58 (e.g., sloped portion 114, sloped portion 126), a volume 247 associated with a respective channel 246 (e.g., as defined by the length 243 of the two slanted walls 240 and a distance 245 between adjacent slanted walls 240, as defined by the length 243 of a slanted wall 240, a length of a connecting panel 241, and a distance between the connecting panel 241 and the slanted wall 240) may be greater than a volume associated with the intermediate channels 232 of an intermediate channel section 206. That is, the channels 246 of a slanted channel section 208 may define a larger volume relative to a volume of the channels 232 of an intermediate channel section 206, thereby enabling the channels 246 to accommodate greater volumes of liquid and/or solid particles captured by the recess 118 and/or the cavities 124, 132, 134. It should be noted that while the illustrated slanted channel section 208 includes five channels 246, in other embodiments, a slanted channel section 208 may include more or fewer channels 246 (e.g., one, two, three, four, six, seven, eight, or more). Further, in certain embodiments, the slanted channel sections 208 of a respective jamb frame member 198 may be configured to align with other components of the louver blade 58 (e.g., slanted portion 114, slanted portion 126) to facilitate removal of liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly 50.
As noted above, in certain embodiments, each of the intermediate channel sections 206 may be configured to align with one or more components of the louver blades 58 along the lateral axis 72. For example, in certain embodiments, the intermediate channel section 206 may align with the sloped portion 114 and/or the sloped portion 126. Because the sloped portions 114, 126 do not include cavities or recesses, the sloped portions 114, 126 may direct smaller volumes of liquid and/or solid particles toward the jamb frame member 198 relative to the portions of the louver blade 58 having cavities or recesses (e.g., recess 118, cavities 124, 132, 134). Thus, the volume 235 associated with a respective channel 232 (e.g., as defined by the length 231 of the two extensions 230 and the distance 233 between adjacent extensions 230) may be less than the volume 247 associated with the channels 246 of a slanted channel section 208. That is, the length 231 of the extensions 230 may be less than the length 243 of the slanted walls 240, and the distance 233 between adjacent extensions 230 may be less than the distance 245 between adjacent slanted walls 240 such that the volume 235 of an intermediate channel 232 is less than the volume 247 of a channel 246. However, in other embodiments, the length 231 of the extensions 230 and/or the distance 233 between adjacent extensions 230 may be substantially similar to the length 243 of the slanted walls 240 and/or the distance 245 between adjacent slanted walls 240 such that the volume 235 of the intermediate channels 232 is substantially similar to the volume 247 of the channels 246. Further, while the intermediate channel sections 206 are described above as being configured to align with the sloped portions 114, 126, in other embodiments, the intermediate channel sections may align with other components of the louver blades 58 (e.g., recess 118, cavities 124, 132, 134) to facilitate removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly 50. It should also be noted that while the illustrated embodiment includes seven intermediate channels 232, in other embodiments, a respective intermediate channel section 206 may include more or fewer channels 232 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, eight, nine, or more).
As illustrated, the pocket 210 may include one or more protrusions configured to facilitate retention of liquid and/or solid particles within the pocket 210. For example, the first pocket wall 300 may include a first protrusion 310 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, downstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74, and the second portion 302 may include a second protrusion 312 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, upstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74. Each of the protrusions 310, 312 may serve as a barrier configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the pocket 210 from prematurely exiting the pocket 210. Further, the extension 216 may extend from the first pocket wall 300 of the body 201 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72 (e.g., crosswise direction relative to airflow), and may also be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the pocket 210 from prematurely exiting the pocket 210. In certain embodiments, the extension 216 may extend into the opening 60 defined by the frame assembly 52, and may be configured to block liquid and/or solid particles from entering the louver assembly 50.
As illustrated, the pocket 218 may include one or more protrusions configured to facilitate retention of liquid and/or solid particles within the pocket 218. For example, the first portion 320 may include a first protrusion330 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, downstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74, and the second portion 322 may include a second protrusion 332 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction, upstream direction) along the longitudinal axis 74. Each of the protrusions 330, 332 may serve as a barrier configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the pocket 218 from prematurely exiting the pocket 218. Further, the extension 220 may extend from the second portion 322 of the body 201 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72, and may also be configured to limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles collected by the pocket 210 from prematurely exiting the pocket 210. In certain embodiments, the extension 220 may extend into the opening 60 defined by the frame assembly 52, and may be configured to block liquid and/or solid particles from flowing through the louver assembly 50 and into an interior of the HVAC system 12.
It should be noted that each of
In certain embodiments, one or more of the sections of the jamb frame member 199 may include features from other sections described above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second pocket section 204 (e.g., downstream pocket section) includes a slanted wall 240 having a shoe 270 with first and second branching portions 272, 274. Thus, in certain embodiments, the second pocket section 204 of the jamb frame member 199 may function similarly to the slanted channel section 208 described above with respect to
In the illustrated embodiment, the jamb frame member 199 also includes a channel 350 configured to receive liquid and/or solid particles from the louver blades 58. The channel 350 may extend along a height of the jamb frame member 199 in a direction (e.g., vertical direction) along the vertical axis 70 and may be configured to guide liquid and/or solid particles received from the louver blades 58 toward the sill frame member 56. In certain embodiments, the channel 350 may be defined by the body 197. For example, a main panel 201 of the body 197 may correspond to a first channel wall 351 extending from the second pocket wall 302 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 and a first connecting panel 241 may correspond to a second channel wall 352 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the lateral axis 72. Further, the channel 350 may be at least partially defined by a second connecting panel 241, which in certain embodiments, may correspond to the second pocket wall 302 of the first pocket section 204. In certain embodiments, the channel 350 may be configured to align with one or more features of the louver blades 58 (e.g., recess 118, cavities 124, 132, 134, sloped portion 114, extension 116), thereby enabling the channel 350 to receive liquid and/or solid particles captured by the louver blades 58. To this end, the channel 350 may have a volume 354 configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and/or solid particles. In certain embodiments, the channel 350 may be configured limit an amount of liquid and/or solid particles from overflowing from the pocket 210 in a downstream direction. In certain embodiments, the volume 354 of the channel 350 may be less than the volume 308 of the pocket 210, less than the volume 247 of the channels 246, and greater than the volume 235 of the intermediate channels 232. However, in other embodiments, the channel 350 may define any suitable volume 354 that facilitates collection, retention, and removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the jamb frame member 199.
Additionally, the jamb frame member 199 may include one or more body sections 360 that are devoid of any channels. Each of the body sections 360 may be defined by a main panel 201 of the body 197 of the jamb frame member 199 extending in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74. Each of the body sections 360 may be configured to guide liquid and/or solid particles captured by the louver blades 58 toward one of more channels of the jamb frame member 199. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first body section 360 (e.g., upstream body section) may be configured to guide liquid and/or solid particles toward the channel 350 disposed upstream of the first body section 360 and/or toward the channels 246 of the slanted channel section 208 disposed downstream of the first body section 360. The second body section 360 (e.g., downstream body section) may be configured to guide liquid and/or solid particles toward the channels 232 of the intermediate channel section 204 disposed upstream of the second body section 360 and/or toward a pocket of the pocket section 204 disposed downstream of the second body section 360. In certain embodiments, each of the body sections 360 may be configured to align with components of the louver blade 58 (e.g., sloped portion 114, sloped portion 126), thereby enabling the body sections 360 to receive liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades 58, and guide the liquid and/or solid particles toward one or more channels to be exited from the louver assembly 50.
The slanted wall 240 may extend from the connecting pocket wall 376 (e.g., extend from a main panel 201 of the body 197) at the angle 250 relative to the lateral axis 72 such that the slanted wall 240 extends in an upstream direction toward the incoming air flow 80. Each of the pockets 370, 372 at least partially defined by the slanted wall 240 may be configured to receive and retain liquid and/or solid particles collected by the louver blades 58. For example, as discussed above, as the air flow 80 is directed through the louver assembly 50, turbulence (e.g., wind vortexes) may be generated within each of the pockets 370, 372, and the turbulence may encourage liquid and/or solid particles collected within a respective pocket 370, 372 to prematurely exit the pocket 370, 372 and flow back toward the louver blades 58 (e.g., into the opening 60). By employing the slanted wall 240, the pockets 370, 372 defined by the slanted wall 240 may enable improved retention of liquid and/or solid particles directed into the channels 246, as discussed above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the slanted wall 240 also includes the shoe 270 configured to facilitate collection, retention, and/or removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly 50. The shoe 270 includes the first branching portion 272 and the second branching portion 274. The first branching portion 272 may at least partially extend into the first pocket 370 positioned upstream of the first branching portion 272 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50, and the first branching portion 272 may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles received by the first pocket 370. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the first branching portion 272 may serve as a first point of contact for liquid and/or solid particles directed toward the jamb frame member 199. The second branching portion 274 may at least partially extend into the second pocket 372 disposed downstream of the second branching portion 274 relative to the direction 82 of the air flow 80 through the louver assembly 50. The second branching portion 274 may be configured to retain liquid and/or solid particles received by the second pocket 372. That is, as described above, the second branching portion 274 may serve as a barrier for the second pocket 372, and may be configured to block premature exit of liquid and/or solid particles from the second pocket 372. Additionally, the first and second branching portions 272, 274 may collectively define the channel 276 configured to receive and guide additional liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly 50, as discussed above.
In certain embodiments, the second pocket section 204 may also include a first protrusion 380 (e.g., upstream protrusion), a second protrusion 382 (e.g., downstream protrusion), and an extension 384 having a protrusion 386. The first protrusion 380 may extend from the first end wall 374 in a direction (e.g., horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 into the first pocket 370. The second protrusion 382 may extend from the second end wall 378 in a direction (e.g. horizontal direction) along the longitudinal axis 74 into the second pocket 372. Each of the first and second protrusions 380, 382 may be function similarly to the protrusions 310, 312, 330, 332 discussed above with respect to
The present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful in the operation of an HVAC system. For example, an HVAC system may include a louver assembly configured to enable air flow between an interior and an exterior of an HVAC system or other enclosed space. The louver assembly may include louver blades having features configured to block liquid and/or solid particles from entering the HVAC system or enclosed space. In some embodiments, each louver blade may include various features, geometries, profiles, extensions, protrusions, and the like, that may block liquid and/or solid particles from flowing past the louver blade and through the louver assembly. Additionally, each louver blade may include one or more recesses configured to capture or retain the blocked liquid and/or solid particles and to direct the liquid and/or solid particles toward jamb frame members of the louver assembly that are configured to direct the liquid and/or solid particles out of the louver assembly. Further still, the disclosed jamb frame members may provide multiple types of channels vertically integrated along the height of a jamb frame member. One or more of the channels may include slanted channel walls that align with features of a respective louver blade (e.g., recess, cavity) and block liquid and/or solid particles from escaping the channel due to, for example, wind or other natural or artificial forces. The channels may also include protrusions extending into the opening of the channel and configured to facilitate retention of liquid and/or solid particles within the channel. Additionally, the disclosed jamb frame members may include smaller, intermediate channels aligned with a slanted portion (e.g. not a recess of cavity) of the louver blade to increase contact points with the louver blade and to facilitate collection and removal of liquid and/or solid particles from the louver assembly.
The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
While only certain features and embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, including temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the disclosure, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed disclosure. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202221068926 | Nov 2022 | IN | national |
