Duct unit having an elastic seal between joined duct sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large size duct units in image forming apparatuses are prone to vibration sounds and air leakage due to inaccuracies and deformations at joint portions, leading to noise and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A duct unit design featuring elastic seal members between duct portions, with projection portions and non-contact surfaces to minimize vibration and air leakage, using semi-independent and semi-continuous foam material for adhesion and airtightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If duct portions are joined to form large size duct units, then the duct unit can accommodate large size fans for high productivity and enhanced functionality, but small gaps are likely to be created at joint portions due to variations in accuracy and deformation during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic seal member (flexible element) inserted into grooves at the joint portions between duct sections. This flexible seal member compensates for gaps and misalignments caused by manufacturing tolerances and deformation during assembly, maintaining airtightness in large size duct units without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If duct portions are joined together, then assemblability and costs are improved, but vibration sounds occur due to collisions of duct portions against each other within gaps caused by fan vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic seal member acts as a vibration-damping element that absorbs and dampens vibrations from the fan, preventing the duct portions from colliding against each other within gaps. This reduces vibration sounds while maintaining the modular assembled structure of the duct unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-installed in the grooves at joint portions before final assembly, providing cushioning and gap-filling protection in advance. This prevents vibration-induced collisions and noise before they occur during fan operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If duct portions are joined together, then assemblability and costs are improved, but air leakage occurs through gaps at joint portions leading to wind noise and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic seal member conformally seals the joint portions between duct sections, preventing air leakage through gaps while maintaining the modular assembled structure. The flexibility of the seal member allows it to adapt to slight variations in joint alignment, ensuring reliable airtightness.
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
Suppresses vibration noise and air leakage, maintaining a stable airflow path and reducing noise and pressure loss, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a seal member (15) having elasticity. The seal member is arranged between the first surface of the first joint portion (18) and the second joint portion (20) so as to come into contact with the first surface and the second joint portion
Data Source
AI summary
A duct unit that is coupled to a fan, the duct unit includes a first duct portion including a first joint portion, a second duct portion including a second joint portion that faces the first joint portion, and a seal member having elasticity. the first duct portion and the second duct portion are configured to form an airflow path by being joined to each other. The first joint portion includes a first surface and a projection portion projecting from the first surface. The projection portion includes a second surface in contact with the second joint portion of the second duct portion. The seal member is arranged between the first surface of the first joint portion and the second joint portion so as to come into contact with the first surface of the first joint portion and the second joint portion.