Air Duct Regulating Membrane for Directional Flow Control and Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning ducts face challenges in efficiently directing air flow between downward and upward directions without complex adjustments, and require mechanisms for temporary closure, which often increase weight and risk damage to the regulating membrane due to heavy shifting elements and waving motions in air flow.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning duct design featuring a peripheral wall with a regulating membrane that can be selectively shifted between two portions of the duct, utilizing a shifting element shaped to correspond to one half of the duct's circumference, allowing for angled movement between 70° to 120°, and an interior partition to control air flow, enabling both directional control and temporary closure without excessive weight or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a semi-circular shifting element is used to turn the membrane by 180°, then the membrane can be positioned to control air flow direction, but the shifting action takes a relatively long time and the membrane is subject to the highest strains causing it to become prone to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-positioned and attached along the line dividing the peripheral wall into first and second portions, so that when the shifting element moves, the membrane is already in an optimal position to minimize strain during the shifting action. This preliminary positioning reduces the distance and time required for shifting, thereby reducing exposure to damaging strains.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of turning the membrane through a large 180° arc which causes excessive strain, the invention inverts the approach by attaching the membrane along the dividing line and using a shifting element that moves more directly between positions. This inverted attachment strategy allows the membrane to shift in a more direct path, reducing the waving motion and strain during transitions.
2Ease of operation
If a heavy driving motor is used to turn the shifting element by 180°, then the membrane can be reliably positioned, but the overall structural weight of the air-conditioning duct increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-attached along the dividing line between the first and second portions of the peripheral wall, creating a ready-positioned structure that requires minimal movement for switching between air flow directions. This preliminary positioning reduces the work required by the driving motor, allowing for a lighter motor design while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional 180° turning mechanism by repositioning the membrane attachment along the dividing line, which allows for a more efficient, shorter movement path. This inverted approach reduces the mechanical work required, enabling the use of a lighter driving motor while still achieving reliable membrane positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metal closing mechanisms are installed at the inlet end of the duct, then the duct can be temporarily fully closable, but the material causes a considerable increase in the overall weight
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane material is used consistently throughout the duct structure, including for the closing function. By making the membrane itself closable through its selective positioning along the dividing line, the invention eliminates the need for heterogeneous metal closing mechanisms. This homogeneous material approach maintains the textile nature of the duct while providing closure capability, avoiding the weight increase associated with metal components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the membrane is shifted frequently between positions, then the air flow direction can be adjusted as needed, but the membrane is subject to the highest strains during shifting causing it to become prone to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-attached along the line dividing the peripheral wall into first and second portions, creating optimal starting positions for both air flow directions. This preliminary positioning ensures that each shift requires minimal movement and exposes the membrane to the least possible strain, even with frequent adjustments. The membrane is always positioned to minimize the work required for the next shift.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the membrane to require large 180° turns, the invention inverts the attachment strategy by positioning it along the dividing line between portions. This inverted approach allows the membrane to shift between positions with minimal movement and strain, making frequent adjustments without compromising durability. The membrane follows a shorter, less stressful path during each shift.
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning duct comprises a regulating membrane attached to a peripheral wall of the duct and a shifting element. The membrane has a first end that is attached to the shifting element and faces an inlet for supplying air. An area of the membrane comprising said first end is adapted for being selectively shifted to a first or second portion of the peripheral wall. The shifting element is for shifting the first end of the membrane to the first or second portion of the peripheral wall. The membrane has a second end, which faces away from the inlet of the duct, secured inside the duct to ensure that shifting of the area of the first end of the membrane to the second portion of the peripheral wall prevents the air flow from passing through that portion of the duct situated downstream of the attached second end of the membrane.