Airflow Hood Support Frame for Hands-Free Register Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring and balancing airflow in HVAC systems require manual holding of airflow hoods against ceiling registers, making the process inconvenient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive due to the need for technicians to support multiple registers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a telescoping rod with a biasing mechanism, such as a gas-filled shock, and a frame attached to the airflow hood, allowing it to be securely held against a surface without manual intervention, enabling simultaneous measurement and data transmission to a remote monitoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual holding of airflow hood is used, then measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support device enables the airflow hood to support itself against the ceiling register without requiring manual holding. The telescoping rod with biasing mechanism automatically maintains the hood in position, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human intervention for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the airflow hood and the ceiling register. It provides a mechanical connection that holds the hood in place, transferring the support function from human hands to a dedicated supporting structure, thereby freeing the operator for other tasks.
2Productivity
If multiple registers need to be tested, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but the process becomes more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support device allows rapid deployment at multiple registers since each hood becomes self-supporting. Operators can quickly move from one register to another without needing to manually position and hold hoods, significantly improving ease of operation when testing multiple registers.
3Reliability
If airflow hood is held manually, then measurement is possible, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device serves as an intermediary that assumes the burden of holding the airflow hood steady. This mechanical intermediary provides stable support without requiring operator physical effort, eliminating fatigue while maintaining measurement stability through the rigid telescoping rod structure.
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 allows for efficient, hands-free operation, reducing setup time and enabling the simultaneous testing and balancing of multiple registers, improving the convenience and efficiency of HVAC system performance evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
The support device may include a biasing device to bias the airflow hood against the first surface... the biasing device may comprise a gas-filled shock
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free support device and method for supporting an airflow hood relative to an airflow register is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support device operably attached to the airflow hood and configured to support the airflow hood relative to a first surface proximate the register. The support device is configured to engage a second surface spaced away from the first surface.