Adhesive Hanger Structures for Layflat Ducting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for drying flooded areas in buildings are inefficient due to the time-consuming and laborious process of securing temporary ducting using duct tape, which delays the application of drying airflow.

Innovation Solution

An improved apparatus featuring hanger structures with flexible adhesive panels that can be angularly separated for secure adhesion to a ducting member, supported by suspension members from ceiling members, allowing for quicker and more efficient installation of drying ducting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If duct tape is used to secure temporary ducting to ceiling supports, then the ducting can be installed, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger structure is divided into separate functional components: a connector tab for attachment to ceiling supports and adhesive panels for bonding to the ducting member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quicker installation by eliminating the need for complex taping procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical fastening system (duct tape wrapping and securing) with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive panels provide secure attachment without requiring the labor-intensive process of wrapping and securing duct tape, thereby reducing installation time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If duct tape is used to secure the ducting, then the ducting can be attached to supports, but the process requires significant labor effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidlabor effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fastening operation of wrapping and securing duct tape is replaced with a simpler adhesive bonding operation. The adhesive panels are applied to the ducting member and pressed into place, requiring minimal labor effort while providing secure attachment comparable to or exceeding that of duct tape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive panels are designed to be self-adhering, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, clips, or mechanical attachment devices. The adhesive itself provides both the attachment mechanism and the security of the bond, reducing the complexity and effort of the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional suspension methods are used, then the ducting can be supported from ceiling members, but the installation is delayed due to complex securing processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveducting support stabilityVSAvoidtime to apply drying airflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger structures are pre-formed with connector tabs and adhesive panels ready for installation. The adhesive panels are positioned and prepared in advance, allowing for rapid attachment to the ducting member without requiring complex field assembly or multiple securing steps, thus reducing the time delay before drying airflow can be applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical securing process involving duct tape wrapping, folding, and fastening is replaced with a simple adhesive bonding process. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required to secure the ducting to supports, enabling quicker deployment of the drying system while maintaining stable support from ceiling members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and effective drying of wet areas by facilitating the quick installation of ducting, reducing labor and time, and ensuring timely application of drying airflow to prevent further damage.

Implementation Method 1

each of the adhesive panels having an adhesive on a respective inner surface thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9863555B2Stick-on hangers for layflat ducting system

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 MARKHAM RALPH

AI summary

An system for drying a wet area of a building includes an elongated flexible duct and a plurality of hanger structures engaged with the duct at locations spaced therealong. Each hanger structure includes a connector tab adapted for engagement with a suspension member and a pair of diverging adhesive panels for adhesive engagement with the duct. The suspension members engage ceiling members to support the duct from an air source to the wet area.