Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling airflow in a duct of an aircraft galley chiller includes first and second legs having ends connected together to form a vane, and free ends configured to be attached within the duct. A free end of one first leg may have a beveled edge, and the free end of the other leg may have a flat edge, and each leg may have one or more score lines to aid cutting lengths of the first and second legs. The legs are connected together at a predetermined fixed angle, or at an adjustable angle, such as by an adjustable hinge. A pair of opposing vanes may be attached within opposing sides of the duct to form a venturi within the duct.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Application No. 61/872,099, filed Aug. 30, 2013, incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to aircraft galley chilling system parts, and more particularly relates to devices for directing and restricting airflow within an aircraft chilling system. 
         [0003]    Large commercial passenger-carrying airplanes are typically equipped with a food and beverage preparation area referred to as a galley. Galleys often have inserts or carts that may be removed and reinserted into the galleys These carts may be used to carry perishables, beverages, ice, and the like. The galley may include a refrigerator (also known as a chiller) system to prevent spoilage, chill beverages, and/or maintain ice. The chillers may refrigerate carts (and other compartments) within the galley by propelling cooled air through an air-circulation system or ducting within the galley. Depending on several factors such as a galley&#39;s duct design, number of carts, cart configuration, and the design of the carts, the chiller may distribute chilled air unevenly. For example, center carts may receive more cold air circulation than outer carts. As another example, carts in a galley configured with only two carts may receive higher volumes of chilled air than carts in a four-cart galley. Furthermore, a galley that has varying sizes of carts and/or compartments may cause a chiller to provide an unbalanced distribution of cold air. The unbalanced air pressure from the chiller may cause over cooling or under cooling in one or more of the carts and/or compartments. One solution to this problem has been to install orifice plates in between a chiller duct system outlet and an inlet to the cart or compartment. An orifice plate is generally a metal or plastic covering with a smaller opening than the outlet/inlet being covered. Due to the smaller opening, the orifice plate restricts the amount of air that can pass through beyond the original opening. Based on the amount of restriction desired, different orifice plates would be used, providing smaller holes for more restriction and bigger holes for less restriction. 
         [0004]    However, the designs of typical orifice plates commonly have many problems. It is inefficient for manufacturers to build multiple different orifice plates having different hole sizes to suit a desired amount of restriction rather than a single adjustable solution. Also, having multiple sizes for orifice plates introduces user confusion and error in selection of an appropriate orifice plate. A user may not know exactly which orifice plate to order and make an erroneous guess. If a user orders an incorrectly sized orifice plate, the user would have to order another orifice plate. Sometimes a user needs a hole size in an orifice plate that is between two step sizes made from a manufacturer. In these instances, a user may have to accept an imperfect orifice plate or create their own. Another problem with the traditional orifice plate is the creation of backpressure. Orifice plates, because of their design, create backpressure, which reduces the speed of the airflow past the orifice plate thus affecting air circulation. Orifice plates are also unable to redirect the direction of airflow. It would be desirable for an apparatus that is a one-size-fits-all airflow restrictor that can be finely tuned, redirect airflow, and reduce the effects of backpressure. The present invention meets these and other needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Briefly and in general terms, the present invention provides for a system, method, and apparatus for controlling airflow in a duct of an aircraft galley chiller. The invention provides for one or more L shaped vanes that can be attached within the duct to restrict and direct airflow within an aircraft galley to a user&#39;s specific preferences. 
         [0006]    The invention accordingly provides for an apparatus for controlling airflow in a duct of an aircraft galley chiller, including first and second legs each having first and second ends, the first and second legs being connected together at the second ends of the first and second legs to form a vane having a protruding joint at the second ends of the first and second legs, and at least one of first ends of the first and second legs being configured to be attached within the duct. In a presently preferred aspect, the first end of the first leg has a beveled edge, and the first end of the second leg has a flat edge. In another presently preferred aspect, the vane can have its angle and leg lengths easily modified. The first leg and the second leg preferably each have at least one score line to aid cutting of the first and second legs for reduction of lengths of the first and second legs. In another presently preferred aspect, the at least one score line of the first leg forms an oblique angle with the first leg such that cutting of the first leg along the at least one score line of the first leg will produce a beveled edge at the first end of the first leg, and the at least one score line of the second leg forms a right angle with the second leg such that cutting of the second leg along the at least one score line of the second leg will produce a flat edge at the first end of the second leg. The first and second legs preferably are connected together at an angle, such as a predetermined fixed angle, or at an adjustable angle, such as by an adjustable hinge, for example. 
         [0007]    In another presently preferred aspect, the first and second legs are formed of a solid continuous solid material, such as a rigid material, a stiff malleable material, or a material that becomes malleable when heated, but is inflexible when cooled to room temperature, for example. 
         [0008]    In another presently preferred aspect, the invention provides for an apparatus for controlling airflow of an aircraft galley chiller, including a duct of the aircraft galley chiller, and at least one vane attached within the duct, the at least one vane including a first leg having opposing first and second ends; and a second leg having opposing first and second ends, the first and second legs being connected together at the second ends of the first and second legs to form a vane having a protruding joint at the second ends of the first and second legs, and at least one of the first ends of the first and second legs being attached within the duct. In another presently preferred aspect, the at least one vane comprises first and second vanes attached within opposing sides of the duct, the first and second vanes forming a venturi within the duct. 
         [0009]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a side elevational view of an L shaped vane according to an embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram of two L shaped vanes of  FIG. 1  used to create a smaller orifice in an air duct. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1C  is a side elevational view of two L shaped vanes of  FIG. 1  used to create a smaller orifice and venturi in an air duct. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a hinged L shaped vane according to another embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top view of two hinged L shaped of  FIG. 2  used to create an asymmetrical venturi for the directional discharge of air. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A-J  illustrates multiple orifice configurations that may be achieved by one or more hinged L shaped vanes of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    Referring to the drawings, which are provided by way of example, and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides for an apparatus for reducing airflow from a chiller into a cart or compartment within the galley that is also easily adjustable 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an L shaped vane  100  according to an embodiment. L shaped vane  100  may be made of a continuous solid material (such as steel, aluminum, other metals, plastic, carbon fiber, rubber or any other suitable material) with a fixed angle  101  between a first leg  102  and a second leg  103 . Alternatively, L shaped vane  100  may be made of a material that is malleable enough to change angle  101  of L shaped vane  100 , but stiff enough to withhold against air pressure from a chiller, or the L shaped vane may be made of a material that becomes malleable when heated, but is relatively inflexible when cooled to room temperatures or less. This may allow for the angle to be adjusted. Additionally, L shaped vane  100  may be made of a material with a thickness that is readily cut such that the length of legs  102  and  103  can be easily shortened. 
         [0018]    First leg  102  may have a beveled edge  104  such that when L shaped vane  100  is installed to a galley duct, the beveled edge may be configured to be parallel with a straight side of a wall of the duct. Second leg  103  may have a flat edge  105  which may be flush with the side of the wall of the duct and can be used to restrict airflow in the airflow path. First leg  102  and second leg  103  may have scoring or score lines  109  to aid a user in reducing the length of first leg  102  and/or second leg  103 . The scoring  109  on first leg  103  may be angular such that when the length of leg  103  is reduced by a user, leg  103  will still maintain a beveled edge. Furthermore, scoring  109  for each leg may correspond to each other such that the beveled edge on first leg  102  lines up with the edge on second leg  103 . One or more L shaped vanes  100  may be used within a duct to restrict or direct airflow. L shaped vanes  100  may be attached to the ducts with L brackets, fitted slots, bolts, glue, welding, solder, and/or any other suitable means. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1B  illustrates two L shaped vanes  100  inserted into a rectangular chilled air outlet/duct  110 . From the front view, only the two second legs  103  of each of the two L shaped vanes  100  are visible. Each L shaped vane  100  may have a width or height  106 , such that a protruding joint formed by the legs of the L shaped vanes prevent airflow from passing through the portion of the outlet/ducting  110  that is covered by each leg  103 . In this particular embodiment, an orifice  111 , which is smaller than duct  110 , is created between the two L shaped vanes  100 . The two L shaped vanes  100  limit the airflow to just the opening of orifice  111 . A user may be able to adjust each L shaped vane  100  to increase airflow by either shortening second legs  103  or removing one of the two L shaped vanes from duct  110 , which would create a larger orifice  111 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 1C  illustrates two L shaped vanes  100  with identical angles  101  which create a venturi  112  by facing the legs of each L shaped vane  100  in opposing directions. Edges  104  and  105  of each L shaped vane  100  abuts walls  107  of the chilled air outlet/duct creating a chamfered opening or orifice  108  which is smaller than the space between walls  107  to restrict the flow of chilled air from a chiller. L shaped vanes  100  may be arranged such that second legs  103  of each L shaped vane lines up to extend perpendicularly to walls  107 . 
         [0021]    Additionally, the two L shaped vanes  100  may be oriented to create the venturi  112  to thus reduce back pressure caused by the restricted orifice  108  and accelerate the air flowing through venturi  106 . The accelerated air may promote efficient air circulation in the cart or compartment for which the air is directed. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the L shaped vane  200  according to the invention. L shaped vane  200  has an adjustable hinge  204  connecting legs  202  and  203 , to allow for the angle  205  of L shaped vane  200  to be adjustable. Hinge  204  may be an indexing hinge. The indexing hinge may have preset grooves or serrations (indexes)  206  which provide a limited set of preset angles to which L shaped vane  200  may be set. Hinge  204  may click into place for each preset angle. In this manner, if multiple L shaped vanes  200  are used in combination, a user may easily be able to match angles of each L shaped vane  200  to be equal and symmetrical. In one aspect, hinge  204  may have a locking screw  207 , which when tightened fixes the hinge into place and prevents the change of angle  205 . Hinge  204  may allow for smooth rotations instead of indexed presets. The hinge may also have a locking screw that stiffens the hinge. 
         [0023]    L shaped vane  200  may also have a tapered or beveled edge  208  for leg  202  and a straight edge for leg  203 . The edges may line up with each other along a single plane such that they may abut flush against a straight wall or duct. L shaped vane  200  may be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metals; a non-metal material such as plastic, carbon fiber, rubber, or the like, or a combination of such materials. 
         [0024]    Additionally, legs  202  and  203  of L shaped vane  200  may be at least partly made of a material with a thickness that is readily cut such that the length of legs  202  and  203  can be easily shortened. Legs  202  and  203  may have scored lines to aid cutting. The scored lines for legs  202  may be angled to maintain a beveled edge and the scored lines for legs  203  may be straight. Each of the scored lines of legs  202  and  203  may line up along a single plane. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a venturi  300  created by using two L shaped vanes  200  from  FIG. 2 , referenced as  310  and  320 . L shaped vane  310  includes a hinge  311  connecting legs  312  and  313 . L shaped vane  310  may be set at an angle  314 . Leg  312  may have a beveled edge  315  which lines up along a single plane with edge  316 . The edges  315  and  316  may be used to abut wall  330  along a duct. Alternatively, edge  315  may remain unbeveled rather than beveled. 
         [0026]    L shaped vane  320  may be another L shaped vane like the L shaped vane  310  wherein the user has cut off a portion  325  of leg  323  of L shaped vane  320  and has widened the angle  324 . The shortened leg  323  and widened angle  324  effectively increases the size of orifice  340  when aligned with wall  330  opposite the L shaped vane  310 . Dotted line  350  illustrates L shaped vane  320  in its original state before being cut and widened. The larger orifice  340  allows for more chilled air to pass through the duct, and the changed angle  324  affects the direction of the chilled air. Also, because L shaped vanes  310  and  320  create a venturi, backpressure created by the smaller orifice size is reduced. 
         [0027]    The versatility of this invention allows for one or more of the L shaped vanes to be used to control and direct airflow in a galley duct or compartment, as desired.  FIGS. 4A-E  illustrate some of the possible orifices that can be created using a single L shaped vane and  FIGS. 4F-J  illustrate some of the possible orifices that can be made with two L shaped vanes.  FIG. 4A  has one L shaped vane that covers most of the chilled air outlet except for a small space on the right. The L shaped vane in  FIG. 4A  is angled such that an asymmetrical venturi is created with the outlet wall causing chilled air passing through to accelerate towards the left. Though, not shown in the figures, the L shaped vane may be used in a manner that is reversed or flipped from the illustration of  FIG. 4A . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4B  illustrates an L shaped vane wherein one or more of the legs may have been cut to cover the left half of the chilled air outlet. One of the legs may be angled to accelerate the chilled air entering the orifice in the direction of the leg. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4C  illustrates an L shaped vane wherein one or more of the legs may have been cut such that one of the legs only covers the left half of the chilled outlet. The angle between the two legs may be set at  90  degrees from each other such that the L shaped vane simulates an orifice plate. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4D and 4E  illustrate the use of an L shaped vane wherein the angle between the two legs are acute and obtuse respectively. With the acute angle, a wide asymmetrical venturi is created. With the obtuse angle an asymmetrical venturi wherein the wide portion of the venturi faces out is created. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 4F-4H  illustrate some of the ways two L shaped vanes can be used to create a centered or slightly off centered venturi. The length and angles of the venturi may be adjusted to a user&#39;s preference to create the desired orifice by adjusting the L shaped vanes. With two symmetrical L shaped vanes a user may create a symmetrical venturi which would not be possible with a single L shaped vane. 
         [0032]      FIG. 41  illustrates how two L shaped vanes can be used to direct airflow by creating a slanted passage. Having two or more L shaped vanes allows for a user to choose the location of the orifice opening and maintain a user&#39;s desired airflow characteristics of chilled air.  FIG. 4J  illustrates how the venturi can be reversed by reversing the direction of the L shaped vanes. 
         [0033]    Though several exemplary orifices and venturis are shown in  FIGS. 4A-J , there are many more combinations which an ordinary skilled artisan would readily recognize and are intended to be included in the scope of the invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4A-J  illustrates the versatility of the disclosed invention. Because one or more of the L shaped vanes can be used to create a desired orifice, manufacturing is simplified due to the single design. Instead of having to manufacture orifice plates of several different sizes, all orifice plates can be replaced by a single adjustable L shaped vane. 
         [0035]    It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited but rather all modifications and substitutions that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included in the scope of the invention.