Reinforced Duct End Press-Fit Ring for Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting reinforcing rings to ducts require adhesives, which reduce the internal diameter of the duct and lead to pressure drops and manufacturing complexities.
Innovation Solution
The reinforcing ring is secured to the duct using an inner cavity and protrusions, eliminating the need for adhesives and allowing a press fit, which increases the internal diameter and simplifies manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the reinforcing ring to the duct, then the reinforcing ring is held in place, but the internal diameter of the duct end portion is reduced and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive from the connection system between the reinforcing ring and duct. Instead of using adhesive, the patent utilizes the pre-existing inner cavity formed during duct manufacturing to mechanically secure the reinforcing ring through press fit and geometric interlocking, thereby removing the bonding process and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the duct's own manufacturing byproduct (the inner cavity) to serve the dual purpose of being a structural feature and a securing mechanism for the reinforcing ring. The inner cavity, which would otherwise be wasted space, automatically provides the geometric interlocking feature needed to hold the reinforcing ring without additional materials or processes
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the reinforcing ring to the duct, then the reinforcing ring is held in place, but the internal diameter of the duct is reduced leading to pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive layer that was occupying space within the duct's internal diameter. By eliminating the adhesive, the full internal diameter is restored, allowing unobstructed fluid flow and preventing pressure drops that would occur with the presence of adhesive material in the flow path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface bonding approach (adhesive applied to the outer surface of the reinforcing ring) to a three-dimensional volumetric engagement approach (protrusions extending into the inner cavity). This dimensional change allows the connection to be made without encroaching on the duct's internal flow passage
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the reinforcing ring to the duct, then the reinforcing ring is held in place, but manufacturing complexity increases due to bonding process requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adhesive bonding process from the manufacturing sequence. The reinforcing ring is secured purely through mechanical means (press fit into the inner cavity with protrusion engagement), eliminating the need for adhesive application, curing time, and associated quality control steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the duct manufacturing process with the reinforcing ring installation process. The inner cavity is formed during duct extrusion or molding, and the same geometric feature is then used to secure the reinforcing ring, combining what were previously separate operations into an integrated process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to ducting apparatus and methods, and more specifically a ducting apparatus comprising a duct (10) and a reinforcing member (20) located at an end of the duct to oppose compressive forces that are applied to the duct.