Flexible Duct Bend Support Assembly to Prevent Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible ducts in HVAC systems tend to crimp when bent, leading to restricted airflow and increased energy consumption due to flow resistance, and existing solutions like metal elbows and flexible duct sleeves are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with cross pieces branching off a spine, featuring flexible arms with slots for connection devices, which prevents crimping by maintaining the duct's shape and allowing quick attachment with common materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible duct is bent to accommodate curved routing, then the duct can be easily configured and installed, but the duct crimps which restricts airflow and lowers system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A support assembly acts as an intermediary between the flexible duct and the bend, providing structural reinforcement at the critical bending location. The support assembly includes a spine that follows the inner radius of the bend and cross pieces with arms that wrap around the duct, preventing crimping while maintaining the duct's flexibility for configuration.
2Loss of energy
If metal elbows are installed to prevent crimping, then airflow efficiency is improved, but labor and material costs increase along with insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is made from a flexible yet structurally sufficient material that can be wrapped around and secured to the duct. This eliminates the need for rigid metal elbows while providing the same crimp-prevention function. The material can be easily attached using common connecting elements like zip ties or wire, reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If flexible duct sleeves are used to protect the duct curve, then crimping is prevented, but material usage increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into a spine component and cross piece components with arms, allowing for easier handling and installation. The segments can be assembled around the duct at the bend location without requiring a complete sleeve to be fitted, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability in preventing crimping.
4Ease of operation
If flexible duct is used for final duct runs, then ease of reconfiguration and installation in tight spaces is improved, but crimping occurs at bends requiring additional protective components
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides crimp prevention, maintains duct shape, and serves as a mounting structure for connecting elements. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate protective sleeves, metal elbows, and insulation components, reducing the overall component quantity while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.