Box-Shaped Duct Support Assembly for Load-Bearing Frame Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct support systems in buildings often fail to provide adequate structural support for ducts, particularly in terms of bearing significant vertical loads and torque, and may compromise the integrity of the frame structure when installed.
Innovation Solution
A duct support system comprising a box-shaped housing made of rigid plates, capable of transferring loads and torque, which can replace wood beams without compromising the structural integrity of the building frame, and includes stiffener sections to enhance load transfer capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a duct support system is designed to bear significant vertical loads and torque, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the structural integrity of the frame structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: it provides duct routing, bears vertical loads, resists torque, and maintains frame structural integrity simultaneously. The box-shaped housing with internal bracing combines support, protection, and load transfer functions that were previously separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct support employs a composite construction with rigid plates forming the box-shaped housing and internal bracing structures. This composite design creates a structure that is both strong enough to bear significant loads and torque while distributing stresses to preserve the overall frame integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a duct support replaces wood beams to provide external duct exits, then installation flexibility increases, but the structural support capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support is designed as a universal component that can be installed in various locations (beams, floor assemblies, wall intersections) and performs multiple functions: providing duct exits, bearing structural loads, and maintaining frame integrity. The standardized box-shaped design with configurable openings enables versatile installation while preserving structural capability.
3Strength
If the duct support structure is made more complex to increase load capacity, then the vertical load bearing increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the box-shaped housing for duct routing, internal bracing elements for load distribution, and connection interfaces for frame integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural efficiency and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a duct support assembly. The duct support assembly can include a frame structure and a duct support. The duct support can be configured to be installed in a floor assembly between a first beam portion of a first wall frame and a second beam portion of a second wall frame and to provide a duct exit from the frame structure. The duct support can be configured to transfer a tension and/or compression load. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of using a duct support to provide a duct exit from a frame structure. The method can include positioning the duct support in a floor assembly between a first beam portion of a first wall frame and a second beam portion of a second wall frame.