Air Duct with Integrated Variable Fastening for Functional Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air ducts require individual fastening means for additional functional elements and may need center support, which can vary by installation situation, making them less versatile and more material-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An air duct with variably positionable fastening means along its longitudinal direction to accommodate functional elements, featuring a duct wall with varying thickness and riblet structures to reduce friction, and stiffening ribs for stability, allowing for secure fixation and support of elements like support webs and cable ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual fastening means are provided for additional functional elements in air ducts, then functional elements can be accommodated, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct is designed with integrated fastening means that serve multiple purposes: they provide structural support for the duct itself and simultaneously accommodate various functional elements (cable ducts, support webs, sound damping elements) along the longitudinal direction. This universal fastening system eliminates the need for separate individual fastening devices for each functional element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means are merged into the duct wall structure itself, combining the support function and fastening function into a single integrated system. The fastening means extend from the inner side of the duct wall and can accommodate multiple types of functional elements without requiring additional separate fastening devices.
2Stability of the object's composition
If center support is added to air ducts, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The center support function is merged with the existing fastening means structure. The same fastening means that accommodate functional elements also provide center support when needed, eliminating the need for separate center support structures. The fastening means can be positioned at various locations along the longitudinal direction to provide support where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means serve dual functions: they accommodate functional elements and simultaneously provide structural center support. This multi-functional design improves stability without adding separate support structures, reducing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If wall thickness is increased for structural stability, then strength is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct wall thickness is varied locally rather than uniformly throughout. The wall thickness is increased only in specific regions where the fastening means are positioned and where structural support is needed, while other regions maintain thinner walls. This localized thickening provides necessary strength without unnecessarily increasing overall material usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An air duct which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction (X), having a duct wall which encloses a flow cross section and has, on its inner side, at least one fastening means for fastening at least one functional element, which can be accommodated in the air duct, in a variable position in the longitudinal direction (X) of the duct.