Adjustable HVAC Conduit Support Assembly for Multi-Position Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems face efficiency reductions due to conduit movement relative to other components, affecting structural integrity and flow rates, which complicates installation and operation.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly comprising a bracket with a base and adjustable arm, and a clamp that secures conduits to the assembly, blocking movement and maintaining desired positioning and geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed conduit positioning system is used, then conduit stability is improved, but adaptability to different conduit positions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduit stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different conduit positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly incorporates adjustable components including an adjustable arm with multiple positioning holes and a movable clamp with positioning holes, allowing the assembly to dynamically adapt its configuration to secure conduits at various positions while maintaining stable support when installed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different conduit positions and configurations through its adjustable features, enabling a single assembly design to serve multiple installation scenarios across different HVAC system configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support assembly designs are created for different conduit positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different conduit positionsVSAvoidnumber of support assembly variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is designed as a universal component with adjustable features including an arm with positioning holes and a clamp with positioning holes, allowing a single design to accommodate multiple conduit positions and configurations without requiring multiple variant designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable components that can be positioned at various locations along the arm, enabling one standardized design to adapt to different installation requirements rather than requiring multiple fixed designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conduit movement is allowed during installation, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity and system efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable support assembly allows installers to position and secure conduits at optimal locations during installation, providing flexibility and ease of installation, while the final secured configuration ensures structural integrity and prevents movement during system operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is pre-configured with multiple positioning holes and adjustment features that allow installers to preliminarily position the conduit at the desired location during installation, ensuring proper structural integrity is achieved before the system begins operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12181172B2Support assembly for HVAC system
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HLDG LLP
  • US12181172B2 patent drawing
  • US12181172B2 patent drawing
  • US12181172B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support assembly for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a bracket comprising a base and an arm extending from the base. The arm includes a flange having a plurality of connectors configured to facilitate coupling to a clamp at each of a plurality of positions along the arm. The arm is configured to engage with and support a conduit of the HVAC system via the clamp.