Resilient-Lock Duct Section Assembly Without Clamping Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing duct section connection methods require cumbersome mechanical fasteners like metal clamping bands, making on-site assembly labor-intensive and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A duct section design featuring a male end portion with a protruding member supported by a resilient member that interlocks with a female end portion, eliminating the need for additional stabilization means and allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without visible fasteners, resulting in a smooth outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal clamping bands and mechanical fasteners are used to secure duct section interconnections, then the connection stability and reliability are improved, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically engages with the protruding member upon insertion of the male end portion into the female end portion, creating a self-securing connection that eliminates the need for manual application of clamping bands or mechanical fasteners. The resilient member's elastic properties enable it to automatically lock the connection in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (clamping bands, screws, bolts) with an elastic engagement system where a resilient member deforms and locks onto a protruding member. This substitution transforms the connection mechanism from manual mechanical fastening to automatic elastic locking, significantly improving assembly speed while maintaining connection reliability.
2Strength
If multiple components including metal clamping bands are used for duct section connection, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (clamping band, fasteners, sealing elements) into an integrated connection system where the resilient member performs both the securing and sealing functions. The protruding member and receiving opening are integrated into the duct section walls themselves, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or attachment hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the connection system, removing metal clamping bands, screws, bolts, and other mechanical fasteners. Only the essential elements (protruding member, receiving opening, resilient member) remain, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection strength through the elastic engagement mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If protruding members and opening structures are added to the duct section ends for interconnection, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the duct sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding member and receiving opening are pre-formed as integral features of the duct section during the manufacturing process. The resilient member is pre-attached to the protruding member before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid field assembly without requiring complex manufacturing steps or post-manufacturing assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the connection features during manufacturing. The resilient member is formed with specific elastic properties that enable automatic engagement. The protruding member and receiving opening are dimensioned with precise tolerances that ensure proper alignment and engagement. These parameter optimizations facilitate both manufacturing and assembly while minimizing complexity.
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 design enables quick and convenient assembly of duct sections into a duct system without mechanical fasteners, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing gas-tight connection that is easy to disassemble and transport.
Implementation Method 1
said protruding member is supported by a resilient member which is arranged inside the duct section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a duct section 21, 20 configured for connecting to one or more other duct sections for creating a duct system for delivering and/or removing gaseous substances. The duct section 21, 20 comprises a circumferential outer wall 23 with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the duct section comprises a first end with a male end portion configured to fit in a female end portion of one of the one or more other duct sections 21, 20. The said female end portion comprises a receiving opening in a circumferential wall of the female end portion. The male end portion comprises an opening 28' in a circumferential wall of the male end portion, wherein said opening is spaced a first distance apart from the first end. The male end portion comprises a protruding member 27 that is arranged to pass through the opening 28' in the male end portion projecting outwards with respect to the outer surface of the outer wall 23 and, when interconnected with said one of the one or more other duct sections 21, 20, passes through the receiving opening of the female end portion, and wherein said protruding member is supported by a resilient member which is arranged inside the duct section. The duct section further comprises a circumferential inner wall 24 that is enclosed by the circumferential outer wall 23.