Duct replacement device and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC workers face difficulties in safely and efficiently accessing and replacing ducts connected to register boxes, especially in narrow attic spaces, due to the challenges of navigating tight spaces and the risks of injury or inefficiency in disconnecting old ducts and attaching new ones.
Innovation Solution
A duct replacement device featuring a duct sleeve flex connector with a female-threaded pole hinge and flat, rigid metal bars, allowing for safe and efficient connection of new ducts to existing register boxes without the need to crawl into tight spaces, using a telescoping pole to maneuver the device and secure it with thin metal bracing straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually access register boxes in attics to replace ducts, then they can directly connect and disconnect ducts, but they face safety risks and difficulty in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a register box access device as an intermediary tool that extends the worker's reach into tight attic spaces. The device includes a register box interface portion that interfaces with the register box, a telescoping pole that extends reach, and a duct interface device that manipulates the duct connection. This intermediary device allows workers to safely access and manipulate register boxes from a stable position on the ground or ladder, eliminating the need to crawl into dangerous attic spaces.
2Productivity
If workers crawl into tight attic spaces to replace ducts, then they can access all duct connections, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the working dimension vertically by using a telescoping pole that reaches from the ground or ladder level up to the register box in the attic. This dimensional extension allows workers to perform duct replacement operations without changing their physical position from the ground level, dramatically reducing access time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device serves as a mechanical intermediary that performs the time-consuming manual operations of disconnecting and connecting ducts. The device includes automated or semi-automated mechanisms for releasing duct clamps and securing new ducts, which eliminates the need for workers to manually crawl into attics and perform these operations, significantly reducing replacement time.
3Reliability
If traditional manual methods are used to connect ducts to register boxes, then simple tools are needed, but connection airtightness and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specialized connection features at specific locations on the access device. The duct interface device includes localized components such as clamp releasing mechanisms, sealing surfaces, and securing features that are positioned exactly where needed to ensure airtight connections. This localized functionality achieves high connection reliability without requiring the entire device to be complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A duct replacement device and method of use provides a duct sleeve flex connector, in three different versions, each with a flat, rigid metal bar with thin, metal bracing strips and a female-treaded pole hinge. After cutting loose the old duct from under the register box, an HVAC technician enters the attic and threads the device on a telescoping pole, depositing the device near the open register box. The technician then climbs a ladder under the register box, grabs and adjusts the device with the flat, rigid metal bar into position, then attaches it with the thin, metal bracing strips.