Corner Element for Slot Outlet Alignment and Plenum Box Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air outlet attachment methods are complex and lack precision for horizontal and vertical alignment and attachment of slot outlets, making installation difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A corner element with a mounting bolt and clip-like design allows easy connection to a plenum box and enables aligned connection of successive slot outlets using conical connecting pins, simplifying assembly and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods using multiple profile strips, clamping strips, and threaded rods are used, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment components (profile strips, clamping strips, fastening elements) into a single integrated corner element. This corner element features a U-shaped cross-section that encompasses both side walls, with integrated attachment means that combine the functions of clamping, positioning, and fastening into one unified component, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support at the corner, enables attachment to both side walls, facilitates alignment through integrated positioning features, and allows for secure fastening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing assembly complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment features are added to enable horizontal and vertical alignment of successive slot outlets, then alignment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner element incorporates pre-formed positioning features such as guide rails, alignment pins, or stepped surfaces that establish precise horizontal and vertical positions before the final attachment is made. These features are built into the corner element's structure, allowing successive slot outlets to be aligned automatically during assembly without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element acts as an intermediary component between successive slot outlets, providing a standardized interface with integrated positioning features. This intermediary structure mediates the alignment process by translating the positioning requirements into physical guide features that automatically ensure precise horizontal and vertical alignment when outlets are connected in sequence.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece corner element is used to simplify assembly, then ease of manufacture improves, but the ability to provide multiple functions (attachment and alignment) simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece corner element merges attachment functions (clamping, fastening) and alignment functions (positioning, guiding) into a single integrated component. The U-shaped cross-section with incorporated positioning features and fastening elements demonstrates how multiple functions are combined without requiring separate parts, thereby maintaining ease of assembly while ensuring functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner element is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs structural support, attachment to side walls, alignment of successive outlets, and fastening operations. This multi-functional design ensures that the simplified one-piece construction does not compromise versatility, as all necessary functions are integrated into the single element.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
In the case of an air diffuser with a slot diffuser (S) with an outlet opening delimited by side panels (11.1 and 11.2) and a plenum box (A) assigned to the slot diffuser (S), a corner element (E) for connecting the slot diffuser (S) to a plenum box ( A) provided, on which adjacent slot outlets (S) can be aligned.