Formwork for an air treatment plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing formwork for air handling units in HVAC systems is prone to organic contamination and thermal bridging due to the use of polymer joints and independent panels, which complicates assembly and insulation.
Innovation Solution
A formwork design with securing means that extend over the entire length, featuring interlocking end parts of hollow facades with communication openings, filled with thermal insulating material, and removable access panels to minimize contamination and thermal bridging, facilitating assembly and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If independent panels are assembled together using polymer material joints, then the envelope structure can be formed, but organic contamination risk increases and thermal bridging occurs at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes polymer material joints from the connection system entirely. Instead of using separate polymer joints to connect panels, the design uses direct metal-to-metal interlocking through folded end portions of adjacent hollow facades, eliminating the source of organic contamination and thermal bridging.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function and structural support function are merged into a single interlocking mechanism. The folded end portions of adjacent hollow facades serve both to connect the panels structurally and to provide thermal insulation continuity, combining multiple functions into one integrated solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer material joints are used to connect panels, then the envelope can be assembled, but additional installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the polymer joint components from the assembly system. The connection is achieved through the inherent structural features of the hollow facades themselves (folded end portions), eliminating the need for separate joint materials and their associated installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow facades are designed to be self-connecting through their folded end portions. The interlocking mechanism is inherent to the panel design, allowing panels to connect to each other without requiring external joining materials or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If connection points are created between panels, then the envelope structure is formed, but thermal insulation must be added to these connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The structural connection and thermal insulation functions are merged into the same interlocking feature. The folded end portions that provide structural connection also create continuous insulation paths, eliminating the need for separate thermal break components at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the thermal bridge problem by eliminating traditional connection points that require thermal breaks. The direct interlocking of hollow facades with continuous insulation eliminates the need for additional thermal insulation measures at connection locations.
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
The solution simplifies manufacturing, reduces organic contamination risk, and enhances thermal insulation by eliminating the need for additional connecting means and seals, ensuring efficient air treatment and hygiene in HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
the interlocking of two adjacent hollow facades is achieved by crimping the end portions of the outer walls together and the inner walls together of the two hollow facades concerned. The envelope comprises a longitudinal foot extending between the inner wall and the outer wall of the lower facade.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a casing (1) for an air handling unit comprising: • an envelope (2) which includes: • a hollow floor (3) forming a lower hollow facade, • a hollow ceiling (4) forming an upper hollow facade, and • a lateral hollow facade (5) connecting the ceiling (3) and the floor (4), and a lateral access partition (6) inside the casing (1), integral with the envelope (2), connected to the lower (3) and upper (4) hollow facades, arranged opposite the lateral hollow facade (5) and comprising at least one removable side panel (7).