Flexible Duct Stabilization for Constant Cross-Section Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible ducts experience changes in cross-sectional volume and turbulence when bending, leading to unreliable air or liquid transport and increased space requirements due to folding and creases, which complicates pressure control and volume delivery.
Innovation Solution
A flexible duct design featuring a guide section with stabilization sections spaced to prevent folding, using elastic and compressible materials to maintain a constant inner cross-section during bending, reducing turbulence and installation space needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flexible ducts are used to allow bending movements, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the cross-sectional volume changes and turbulence increases leading to unreliable transport
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is divided into multiple sections with stabilization frames at regular intervals, creating segmented zones that prevent uncontrolled folding while allowing controlled bending between sections. This segmentation maintains cross-sectional integrity during flexing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the duct have different properties: the guide section allows bending while the stabilization sections with frames provide structural support to maintain cross-sectional shape. This local differentiation enables both flexibility and reliability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ducts fold during bending, then flexibility is improved, but installation space increases due to required clearance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the duct into controlled sections with stabilization frames, the folding is prevented and the duct maintains a more compact form factor during installation, reducing the clearance space required while preserving bending capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If duct material is allowed to fold freely, then ease of installation is improved, but turbulence increases reducing transported volume
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization frames are strategically placed to prevent folding at critical locations where turbulence would occur, while allowing the duct to remain flexible in other areas. This localized control eliminates turbulence-causing folds without compromising installability.
4Reliability
If stabilization sections are added to prevent folding, then reliable transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is segmented into modular sections with stabilization frames at regular intervals. This segmentation provides reliable volume delivery through structured support while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that is easy to manufacture and install.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between stabilization frames is optimized based on the bending length of the guide section material. By adjusting this parameter, the duct achieves reliable transport with minimal necessary stabilization, avoiding excessive complexity.
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
Ensures reliable transport of air or liquids through curved ducts with minimal space requirements, maintaining consistent volume and reducing turbulence, while allowing for flexible installation and use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The guide section has an elastic material. This allows the duct to be bent without damage to the material due to tensile stress on an outside of a bend.
Implementation Method 2
The material can also be a compressible material, in particular an elastically compressible material. This means a material that can deform back into its original shape after compression due to its elastic properties.
Implementation Method 3
Due to their sufficiently small spacing, these stabilizing frames prevent the guide section material from being able to fold or buckle.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible duct (1) which has a guide section (2) and at least two stabilizing sections (3), the stabilizing sections (3) being formed in a circumferential direction around the guide section (2) and being attached to the guide section (2). . A distance (a) between the stabilizing sections (3) is chosen such that a bending length of a guide section material is greater than the distance (a) between two adjacent stabilizing frames (3).