Duct Support Assembly for Load Transfer in Floor Frame Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct support systems in buildings often fail to provide adequate structural support for ducts, particularly in terms of bearing significant vertical loads and torque, and may compromise the integrity of the frame structure when installed.
Innovation Solution
A duct support system comprising a box-shaped housing made of rigid plates, capable of supporting vertical loads up to 10,000 lbs and torque up to 10,000 Newton-meters, which can replace wood beams without compromising the structural integrity of the frame structure, and includes stiffener sections to enhance load transfer capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a duct support system is designed to bear significant vertical loads and torque, then the structural support capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support integrates multiple structural elements (horizontal spans, vertical braces, stiffeners) into a single unified box-shaped assembly that simultaneously provides duct support, load bearing, and structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate support components
Solution Approach 2:
The duct support employs a composite construction combining rigid plate materials with strategic reinforcement sections, creating a structure that achieves high strength-to-complexity ratio by using material composition rather than overly complex geometry
2Stability of the object's composition
If a duct support system is designed to bear significant torque, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support features localized stiffener sections positioned at specific high-stress areas rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure, providing enhanced torque resistance where needed while keeping manufacturing simple in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The box-shaped housing is divided into manageable sections (spans and braces) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity for torque resistance
3Force
If a duct support replaces a wood beam, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct support is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural beam replacement, provides duct mounting, creates building envelope penetrations, and offers load transfer paths, all within a single installable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is nested within the box-shaped housing of the support structure, allowing the duct to be installed and protected within the structural component itself, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining high load capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a duct support assembly. The duct support assembly can include a frame structure and a duct support. The duct support can be configured to be installed in a floor assembly between a first beam portion of a first wall frame and a second beam portion of a second wall frame and to provide a duct exit from the frame structure. The duct support can be configured to transfer a tension and/or compression load. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of using a duct support to provide a duct exit from a frame structure. The method can include positioning the duct support in a floor assembly between a first beam portion of a first wall frame and a second beam portion of a second wall frame.