Damper with spring thrust bearing and flush end cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional HVAC system dampers face inefficiencies due to inadequate handling of mechanical loads, leading to axial movement and air flow leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a damper design featuring a spring thrust bearing and radial bearing system, which supports axial and radial loads, respectively, and includes flush end caps and jamb seals to minimize air flow leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional bearing assemblies are used to support axial loads, then the damper can handle mechanical loads, but air flow leakage occurs between blades and around bearing assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial load capacityVSAvoidair flow leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a spring thrust bearing specifically for axial load support, and a radial bearing specifically for radial load support. This segmentation allows each bearing type to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing air leakage paths through proper positioning and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the bearing assembly and the blade to prevent air flow leakage. The seal member specifically addresses the harmful air leakage that occurs around traditional bearing assemblies while allowing the bearings to continue supporting mechanical loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If blade assemblies are arranged to handle mechanical loads, then the damper can support axial loads, but torque requirements for blade rotation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial load supportVSAvoidtorque requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The spring thrust bearing provides dynamic axial support that maintains constant contact pressure between the blade and the bearing surface. This dynamic support reduces friction during blade rotation, thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the blade while maintaining adequate axial load support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical bearing assembly that directly contacts the blade is replaced with a spring thrust bearing system that uses elastic deformation of the spring to provide axial support. This substitution reduces mechanical friction and contact resistance, lowering the torque requirement for blade rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional damper components are used, then the structure is simple, but the damper efficiency is reduced due to air flow leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent structureVSAvoiddamper efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the spring thrust bearing supports axial loads, the radial bearing supports radial loads, and the seal member prevents air leakage. This multi-functionality approach maintains relatively simple structure while significantly improving damper efficiency by addressing multiple problems with an integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design reduces torque requirements for blade rotation, enhances damper efficiency, and effectively blocks air flow leakage, improving overall HVAC system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring thrust bearing having a central portion defining a spring thrust bearing opening configured to receive the axle. The spring thrust bearing is configured to support an axial load of the damper blade via a spring force applied to the damper blade.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a radial bearing defining a radial bearing opening configured to receive the axle such that the radial bearing is configured to support a radial load of the damper blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial bearing support: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS12181175B2Damper with spring thrust bearing and flush end cap

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 AIR DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES IP LLC

AI summary

A damper of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a damper blade having a blade body with a hollow portion extending to an end of the blade body. The damper also includes an axle defining an axis about which the damper blade is configured to rotate, where the axle extends from the end of the blade body. The damper also includes a spring thrust bearing having a spring thrust bearing opening through which the axle extends. The spring thrust bearing is configured to support an axial load of the damper blade. The damper also includes an end cap disposed within the hollow portion of the blade body such that the end cap is flush with the end of the blade body.