Adjustable Air Manifold Dampers for Flexible Vacuum Hose Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum systems for web and sheet materials suffer from limited flexibility in installation configuration due to fixed outlet orientations, leading to increased installation complexity, potential errors, and contamination issues from static electricity and electrostatic adhesion of contaminants.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damper coupling system with adjustable dampers and outlets in the air manifold, allowing for customizable airflow and hose placement, enabling flexible installation and enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed outlet orientation is used in the air manifold, then the system structure is simple, but the installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the damper outlets adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The dampers can be rotated and repositioned to different orientations, allowing the system to adapt to various installation configurations and operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the air manifold with multiple outlets that can serve different functions through adjustable dampers. The same manifold structure can accommodate various installation scenarios and operational needs by reconfiguring the damper positions, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If fixed outlet orientations are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable damper mechanism allows outlets to be reconfigured during installation to match specific spatial requirements, significantly improving installation ease. The dampers can be rotated and positioned at different angles without requiring custom-manufactured components for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system is segmented into independently adjustable units that can be configured separately. Each damper operates independently and can be positioned without affecting others, allowing for flexible installation while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each modular component.
3Reliability
If fixed outlet orientations are used, then the system is less complex, but installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable damper outlets enable precise orientation and positioning during installation, reducing installation errors by allowing the system to be configured to match the actual installation environment rather than forcing the environment to match a fixed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the orientation and positioning parameters of the outlets through adjustable dampers. This flexibility enables the system to adapt to various installation configurations while maintaining consistent manufacturing standards, thereby improving installation accuracy without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
Facilitates strategic airflow control and reduces contamination by allowing for optimized damper orientation and hose connection, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing installation errors.
Implementation Method 1
The air manifold is configured to draw air from an intake flange, removing dust and air from the object being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
one or more dampers coupled to the one or more outlets, wherein the one or more dampers are movable relative to the damper coupling to adjust a size of an opening of the one or more dampers
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum system is provided for cleaning an object. The system includes an air manifold with a damper coupling attached a given end. The damper coupling is arranged within one of a plurality of outlets, the damper coupling receives a damper. Thus, a position and/or orientation of the damper may be adjusted by the damper coupling within the various outlets. In operation, the air manifold is configured to draw air from an intake flange, removing dust and air from the object being cleaned, which is exhausted to a vacuum system via the one or more outlets and dampers.