Damper Positioning Lock With Spring-Pin Recess Indexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper positioning locks in HVAC systems lack the ability to provide exact locking positions and are often cumbersome, as users cannot visually confirm the orientation of the blade, leading to guessing the open or closed configuration, and existing solutions either rely on wingnut and bolt combinations or require motorized systems.
Innovation Solution
A damper positioning lock with a plate having arcuate recesses and a pivotally associated handle, featuring a slidable pin mechanism biased by a spring, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement of selected recesses for locking the blade in various positions, enabling simple and economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional positioning lock with bolt and wingnut is used, then the lever can be locked in position, but the user cannot visually confirm the blade orientation and must guess the open/closed configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (such as colored markings or transparent portions) on the handle that change position or visibility as the handle rotates, allowing users to visually confirm the blade orientation without adding complex mechanical feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The handle itself serves as a visual indicator that copies or reflects the blade's angular position, allowing users to see the blade orientation directly through the handle's position relative to the duct
2Manufacturing precision
If a motor and gear unit is used to control the damper, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions using multiple slots in the plate, allowing the handle to be locked at specific predetermined angles without requiring continuous positional control or complex feedback systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the slots to lock the handle in position, and the handle's own rotation provides the visual indication of blade orientation, eliminating the need for separate sensing or actuation systems
3Ease of manufacture
If a wingnut and bolt combination is used to secure the lever, then the locking mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the locking and unlocking process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual threading operation of a wingnut and bolt with a spring-loaded pin that automatically engages and disengages from slots, converting a complex manual fastening operation into a simple snap-action mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static bolt-wingnut assembly to a dynamic spring-loaded pin that can quickly engage and disengage, allowing the user to lock and unlock the handle with a simple pushing or pulling motion rather than threading operations
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 provides exact locking positions, simplifies the locking/unlocking process, and allows for visual confirmation of the blade's orientation, enhancing user control and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism is associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses. The engaging mechanism includes a pin slidable relative to the plate for engaging the selected recess. The damper positioning lock also includes a mechanism for biasing the pin toward the recess. The biasing mechanism includes a spring disposed within the handle.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper positioning lock includes a plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge and a damper positioning handle pivotally associated with the plate. A mechanism is associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses.