Partition Wall Ductwork Assembly for Tight Pipe Penetration Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ductwork systems for leading pipes through partitioning walls lack a reliable and easy-to-assemble design that ensures a tight and firm fit without the need for multiple connecting arrangements and additional tightening means, such as gaskets, and do not facilitate the use of intermediate plates with apertures for stud insertion.
Innovation Solution
A ductwork system comprising a flange member with a pipe section, a gasket, a counter plate, and an intermediate plate, where the counter plate has a non-circular cross-section and studs that pass through apertures in the gasket and flange, allowing for easy assembly and a secure fit by threading studs through these components, with the intermediate plate stabilizing the gasket and reinforcing the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ductwork system uses multiple separate connecting arrangements and tightening means, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange, gasket, and counterplate into a single integrated ductwork assembly that is pre-assembled as one unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for multiple separate connecting arrangements and tightening means, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design where the gasket is permanently positioned between the flange and counterplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The ductwork components (flange, gasket, counterplate) are pre-assembled into a complete unit before installation. The gasket is pre-positioned in the correct location between the flange and counterplate, and all components are pre-aligned with matching apertures. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations and multiple tightening steps.
2Reliability
If a traditional ductwork system uses multiple separate connecting arrangements, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flange, gasket, and counterplate into a single pre-assembled unit, the installation process is simplified to inserting one component through the partition wall opening. This eliminates the need for operators to handle and assemble multiple separate parts on-site, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable connections through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete assembly of the flange, gasket, and counterplate is performed in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that all components are correctly positioned and aligned before installation, making the on-site operation simple and quick while ensuring reliable connection through the pre-verfied assembly.
3Device complexity
If a ductwork system does not use an intermediate plate with apertures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and assembly precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The counterplate serves as an integrated intermediate component that combines the functions of a mounting plate and alignment feature. Its non-circular cross-section with specific aperture patterns integrates the alignment and fastening functions into a single component, eliminating the need for a separate intermediate plate while maintaining ease of assembly through the pre-configured aperture alignment with the flange.
4Ease of operation
If a ductwork system uses a non-circular counter plate, then the ease of operation and assembly precision are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counterplate is designed with a non-circular (oval or rectangular) cross-section instead of a circular shape. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent alignment features that guide the insertion orientation and ensure correct positioning during assembly. The asymmetric shape with specifically positioned apertures makes the assembly process more intuitive and precise, though it requires precise manufacturing of the asymmetric geometry and aperture positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Ductwork for leading at least one pipe through a circular opening in a partitioning wall, the ductwork includes:- a flange member (2), where said flange member has a pipe section (3) with an inner diameter, wherein connected to the pipe section adjacent one end of said pipe is arranged a flange (4), said flange extending radially away from said pipe section (3) in a plane substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the pipe section, and where one or more apertures (21) are provided through said flange (4); - a gasket (6) dimensioned to be positioned on said flange, where a first aperture (7) is arranged centrally in said gasket, said aperture (7) having a diameter larger than the inner diameter in the pipe section (3), and in use arranged on the flange such that the aperture is superposed the pipe section, and where further one or more second apertures (21') are provided through the gasket (6), such that in use the one or more second apertures (21') may be aligned/superposed with the one or more apertures (21) in the flange (4); - a counter plate (15), which in use is to be positioned on the opposite side of the partitioning as to the flange member (2) and the gasket (6), where the counter plate (15) has a central aperture (16), and where the counter plate (15) in a plane orthogonal to the aperture (16), has a non-circular cross-section, having a minor dimension across the counter plate and a major dimension across the counter plate in a direction different from the minor dimension, and where one or more studs (17) extends from a first surface of the counter plate (15), such that the one or more studs may be inserted through the one or more second apertures (21') in the gasket (6) and the one or more apertures (21) in the flange (4) of the flange member wherein, to improve the stability and tightness of the ductwork, an intermediate plate member (9) is provided, said intermediate plate member (9) being provided with one or more apertures (21''), said apertures (21'') arranged such that the one or more studs (17) in the counter plate (15) may pass through the one or more apertures (21'').