HVAC Duct Port with Flexible Latch for Secure Parameter Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in monitoring air filter condition due to varying duct materials, requiring a duct port that can securely attach to different types of HVAC system walls for effective parameter sensing.
Innovation Solution
A duct port with a hollow stem, head member, and flexible latch members that provide a fluid passageway through the duct wall, featuring ribs for centering and a latch mechanism for secure attachment, allowing for installation across various HVAC system materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a duct port is designed to securely attach to different types of HVAC system walls, then the reliability of parameter sensing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The duct port is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can securely attach to different types of HVAC system walls (metal, plastic, fiberglass) using a single port structure. The latch members and ribs work together to provide adaptability across various wall materials and thicknesses, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ports for different wall types.
Solution Approach 2:
The port structure incorporates flexible latch members that can change their physical state (flexed vs. engaged position) during installation. The ribs are designed with varying heights to adapt to different wall thicknesses, allowing the same port to reliably attach to walls with different parameters without requiring multiple designs.
2Strength
If the port structure includes multiple components for secure attachment, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The head member, ribs, and latch members are combined into a single integrated duct port component. This merging of functions into one piece eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for attaching these components to each other, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the attachment strength provided by the rib-latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members are designed as flexible elements that can be deformed during installation and then spring back to engage with the wall. This flexibility allows for simple snap-fit installation without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, tools, or multiple parts, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining strong attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ribs extend laterally away from the stem member, then the centering accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are designed with asymmetric height variations, with taller ribs providing primary centering function and shorter ribs providing secondary support. This asymmetric design achieves accurate centering of the port in the wall opening while using a relatively simple rib structure that does not add excessive complexity to the overall port design.
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
Enables secure and fluid-tight attachment to different HVAC system materials, facilitating effective parameter sensing and monitoring of air filter conditions, thereby improving HVAC system efficiency and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
one or more flexible latch members extending longitudinally along the hollow stem member. The latch members may be situated between the head member and the second end of the hollow stem member
Data Source
AI summary
Ports for sensing one or more parameters in an HVAC system and methods for installing such ports. In one illustrative embodiment, a port provides a fluid passageway through a wall of an HVAC component such as an air duct. The port may be formed of a hollow stem member having a first end and a second end and a head member positioned therebetween. The port may include an anchor member for anchoring the port to a wall of the HVAC component. In some cases, the anchor member may secure the port within the wall such that the head member forms a substantially fluid tight seal with the wall.