Damper Actuator Quick-Connect Wiring for Confined HVAC Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC technicians face difficulties in connecting and protecting wire leads between the actuator and electronic fusible link (EFL) in two-position fire and smoke control dampers due to limited space, making it challenging to ensure reliable operation and safe installation.
Innovation Solution
A damper actuator assembly with quick connect mechanisms for easy electrical connection between the actuator and EFL, along with an integral conduit adaptor for flexible conduit material, simplifies the connection process and protects the wires from environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire leads are extended and connected between the actuator and EFL in confined spaces, then electrical connection is established, but installation difficulty increases and connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible conduit as an intermediary component that provides a protected pathway for wire leads between the actuator and EFL. This conduit acts as a mediator that protects the electrical connections from environmental damage while organizing the wiring in confined spaces, thereby improving both connection reliability and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-attaching the flexible conduit to the actuator housing before installation. This allows the conduit to be positioned and secured in advance, making the subsequent connection process simpler and more reliable, as the protective pathway is already in place before wires need to be routed through confined spaces.
2Area of stationary object
If actuator and EFL are positioned close together for space efficiency, then device footprint is reduced, but wire connection and protection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the flexible conduit directly into the actuator housing structure. The conduit is nested within or attached to the housing, allowing wire leads to be routed through a pre-defined protective pathway that is compact yet accessible, thus maintaining a small device footprint while facilitating easy wire connection and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the small gap between the actuator and EFL. Even when these components are positioned close together, the conduit provides a dedicated protected pathway for wire leads, making the connection process easier and more reliable without requiring additional space.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible conduit material is used to protect wire leads, then environmental protection is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible conduit with the actuator housing into a single integrated assembly. By combining these two components, the system reduces the number of separate parts that need to be installed and connected, thereby lowering installation complexity while maintaining the environmental protection benefits of the flexible conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit is pre-attached to the actuator housing during manufacturing, which is a preliminary action that simplifies field installation. Installers only need to connect the pre-assembled unit to the EFL, rather than separately installing the conduit and routing wires through it, thus reducing installation complexity while preserving environmental protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper actuator assembly comprises an actuator and an electronic fusible link (EFL) connected by at least one wire. The actuator comprises an actuator housing with actuator leads extending from the actuator housing. The actuator leads include a first quick connect positioned on an end of the actuator lead. A flexible conduit material covers the actuator lead. The EFL comprises an EFL housing which is separate from the actuator housing. The EFL housing includes a quick connect seat and an integral conduit adaptor. A second quick connect is positioned on an end of the EFL lead. When the end of the flexible conduit material that includes the actuator lead and first quick connect is inserted into the integral conduit adaptor of the EFL housing, the first quick connect is coupled to the second quick connect and an electrical connection is established between the actuator and the EFL.