One-Sided Ductwork Flange Mounting Without Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ductwork solutions for ships require welding, which poses a fire hazard and are limited in diameter range, and cannot be mounted from one side of the partitioning.

Innovation Solution

A ductwork system featuring a flange with mounting apertures and a connecting arrangement that includes a force transmission means, clamping means, and engagement arrangement, allowing for secure mounting without welding and from one side of the partitioning, using blind rivets or screw threads for force transmission and pivot arms for easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If welding is used to fasten ductwork to partitioning, then the ductwork can be established from one side, but fire hazard increases due to sparks from welding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-sided mounting capabilityVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful welding operation from the mounting process and replaces it with a mechanical clamping system. The connecting arrangement uses a clamping means with engagement faces that squeeze around the partitioning, eliminating sparks and fire hazards while maintaining one-sided mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical clamping system. The connecting arrangement employs a clamping means actuated by a force transmission means to create a mechanical grip on the partitioning, substituting the harmful thermal field with a safe mechanical field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed diameter clamping means is used, then the structure is simple, but the ductwork only fits limited diameter range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter range accommodationVSAvoidclamping means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the clamping means dynamic by enabling it to change its outer diameter. The clamping means includes engagement faces that can be displaced radially, allowing the structure to adapt to different partitioning diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a force transmission means that actuates the clamping means between different radial positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If traditional two-sided mounting is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but access to both sides of partitioning is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting accessibilityVSAvoidfastening security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves the mounting accessibility contradiction by transitioning from a two-sided mounting approach to a one-sided mounting solution. The connecting arrangement projects entirely from one side of the partitioning, with the operating member accessible from the first side and the engagement faces acting on the partitioning from the same side, eliminating the need for access to the opposite side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If force is concentrated at single mounting point, then installation is simple, but distribution of force is uneven reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution uniformityVSAvoidconnecting arrangement configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the fastening function into multiple segments by providing a plurality of connecting arrangements distributed around the flange. Each connecting arrangement independently secures the ductwork to the partitioning, creating multiple force distribution points that collectively enhance stability and prevent uneven stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2635831B1ductwork

Publication Date: 2016.08.17 BLUCHER METAL

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d

AI summary

Ductwork (1) for arranging at least one pipe through an opening (2) in a partitioning (3), including a flange (4) having an outer periphery area (5) and a central area (7) which is formed with a guide opening (8) for every pipe, the flange (4) being provided with a number of mounting apertures (11), the flange (4) having an inner side (9) and an outer side (10) opposite the inner side (9), where the inner side (9) is adapted for bearing against one side (6) of the partitioning,wherein the ductwork (1) further includes a connecting arrangement mounted in each mounting aperture (13), the connecting arrangement including force transmission means (15) with an operating member (22) disposed over the outer side (10) of the flange, and with a shank (17) extending through the mounting aperture (11), a clamping means (23) disposed on the shank (17) of the force transmission means and which is displaceable around and/or along the shank (17) by actuating the operating member (22), and an engagement arrangement (19) disposed between the inner side (9) of the flange and the clamping means (23), and which is adapted with contact surfaces (23) interacting with contact surfaces (18) on the clamping means (23), and engaging faces (20) that may be displaced radially relative to the orientation of the shank by actuating the operating member (22).