Direct vent dilution air connection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct vent blower systems for gas-fueled heaters face challenges in simplified installation, reduced part complexity, and compact design due to reliance on rubber fittings and multiple clamps.
Innovation Solution
A direct vent blower system design featuring a molded one-piece blower housing with a tubular dilution air inlet port having flanges separated by slits for radial inward movement, a gasket, and a single clamp for secure connection, eliminating the need for rubber fittings and reducing parts, while integrating an air supply system for efficient combustion and dilution air delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber fittings are used to connect the air supply system to the blower housing, then the connection is flexible and easy to install, but the system complexity increases and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection fitting directly into the blower housing as a molded one-piece component, eliminating the need for separate rubber fittings and multiple connection parts. This merging of the fitting into the housing structure reduces the number of components while maintaining ease of installation through the resilient flange design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses resilient flanges with slits that can flex radially inward to accommodate the connection fitting, providing flexibility without requiring separate rubber fittings. The slits in the flanges allow them to deform elastically during installation and then return to their original position, creating a secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate parts are used in the blower housing, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the overall system size increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blower housing is formed as a molded one-piece structure that integrates multiple functional elements including the connection fitting, flanges, and housing walls. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
While the housing is one-piece, the flanges are segmented with slits that allow them to flex independently. This segmentation within the one-piece structure enables the resilient behavior needed for easy installation without requiring multiple separate housing components.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is made between the air supply system and blower housing, then the system reliability improves, but the installation process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient flanges with slits provide flexibility during installation, allowing the connection fitting to be easily inserted. Once installed, the flanges return to their original position, creating a secure, reliable connection that prevents leaks and maintains system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges transition from a flexible state during installation to a rigid, secure state during operation. The slits allow the flanges to deform dynamically during the installation process and then maintain a stable, reliable connection once the fitting is in place.
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 configuration simplifies installation, reduces system complexity, and achieves a more compact design by using a single clamp and no rubber fittings, positioning the air supply system closer to the heater, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The slits enable the plurality of flanges to resiliently move radially inwardly from an unflexed position
Data Source
AI summary
A blower systems includes a blower housing, a gasket, and a clamp. The blower housing includes a dilution air inlet port having a tubular portion with an end margin having a plurality of flanges separated by slits enabling flexing of the plurality of flanges to resiliently move radially inwardly from an unflexed position. The gasket extends within the end margin of the dilution air inlet port. The air supply system includes an inlet portion, a combustion air portion, and a one-piece fitting having an inlet, dilution air outlet, and a combustion air outlet. The clamp is positioned radially about the plurality of flanges such that it can secure a source of dilution air within the dilution air inlet port.