Duct adaptor for an ion generation device and ion generation device for use therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment technologies face challenges in installing bipolar ionization devices in air handling units and ducts with varying geometries, as they require customization for proper fitting, limiting their universal application.
Innovation Solution
A duct adaptor with a flexible connecting element and ring element is designed to adapt to different duct surfaces, allowing for secure installation of ion generation devices by forming a hole in the duct and using a snap-fitting mechanism to retain the device in place, ensuring it remains unaffected by airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bipolar ionization devices are customized to fit specific duct geometries, then proper fitting and installation reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized bipolar ionization device that can be installed in ducts of various geometries (rectangular, round, oval) through the use of different adaptor configurations. The device itself remains unchanged while the adaptors provide the geometry-specific adaptation, allowing one device design to serve multiple installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the installation system into two independent parts: the standardized bipolar ionization device and the geometry-specific adaptor. This segmentation allows the device to remain simple and universal while the adaptor handles the complexity of fitting to different duct shapes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid adaptor is used to fit specific duct geometries, then installation precision is improved, but adaptability to different duct shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by incorporating flexible elements into the adaptor design that allow it to conform to different duct geometries. The adaptor can be adjusted or bent to match rectangular, round, or oval duct shapes while maintaining a secure fit, thus achieving both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible shells in the adaptor construction, allowing the adaptor to deform and adapt to various duct cross-sections. This flexibility enables the same adaptor design to achieve precise fitting across multiple duct geometries without requiring custom rigid components for each shape.
3Reliability
If multiple customized bipolar ionization devices are manufactured for different duct geometries, then proper fitting is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single standardized bipolar ionization device design that can be installed in various duct geometries through interchangeable adaptors. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple customized device versions, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring proper fitting through the geometry-specific adaptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the adaptor as an intermediary component between the standardized bipolar ionization device and the various duct geometries. This mediator handles the geometry-specific adaptation, allowing the main device to remain simple and easy to manufacture while still achieving proper fitting in different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for engagement to an air duct. The adaptor includes a back portion with an aperture within the back portion, a bellow adjacent the back portion with an opening positioned in a corresponding relationship with the aperture of the back portion, a top portion adjacent the bellow and spaced-apart from the back portion. A ring member is rotationally engaged to the back portion and disposed within the aperture of the back portion and the opening of the bellow. The ring member receives an ion generation device configured to engaged the ring member and containing a cleaning device for periodically cleaning a pair of electrodes.