Adjustable Duct Connector for Multi-Diameter Heating Equipment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile air heating equipment typically accommodates only a single size of duct, limiting flexibility and efficiency when dealing with variously sized ducts on a worksite.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable duct mechanism featuring a base plate, ring arms, and a handle that allows for the selective transition between different diameters, enabling secure coupling of multiple duct sizes without requiring separate couplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single size duct connector is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different duct sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different duct sizesVSAvoidduct connector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct connector incorporates adjustable ring arms that can be moved between multiple positions to accommodate different duct diameters. The ring arms are coupled to a handle that rotates to adjust the diameter of the connector, allowing it to dynamically adapt to various duct sizes while maintaining a single connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The duct connector is designed as a universal coupling that can connect to multiple sizes of ducts (e.g., 12-inch, 14-inch, 16-inch diameters) using the same connector body. The adjustable mechanism allows one connector to perform the function of multiple fixed-size connectors, eliminating the need for separate couplings for each duct size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-size duct connectors are used, then the adaptability to different duct sizes is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different duct sizesVSAvoidnumber of duct connectors required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct connector is designed as a universal coupling that can connect to multiple sizes of ducts (e.g., 12-inch, 14-inch, 16-inch diameters) using the same connector body. The adjustable mechanism allows one connector to perform the function of multiple fixed-size connectors, eliminating the need for separate couplings for each duct size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple fixed-size duct connectors into a single adjustable connector. By merging the adjustment mechanism with the connector body, it consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into one unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable duct mechanism is implemented, then the versatility for different duct sizes is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduct size accommodation capabilityVSAvoidconnector adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The duct connector incorporates adjustable ring arms that can be moved between multiple positions to accommodate different duct diameters. The ring arms are coupled to a handle that rotates to adjust the diameter of the connector, allowing it to dynamically adapt to various duct sizes while maintaining a single connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a circular arrangement of ring arms around a central axis, with the handle rotating in a circular path to adjust the diameter. This circular geometry provides smooth, intuitive adjustment motion and allows for easy positioning at different diameters through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016191A1Adjustable duct mechanism for heating equipment

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An adjustable duct connector includes a base plate, a ring arm slidably coupled to the base plate, and a handle rotatably coupled to the base plate and the ring arm. Rotation of the handle selectively transitions the ring arm between a first position proximate the handle and a second position arranged further from the handle.