Connector for flexible duct, flexible duct with interchangeable end, and method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation ducts require multiple custom configurations to accommodate different inlet and outlet openings, leading to costly manufacturing and storage challenges for manufacturers and users, as well as limitations in versatility and adaptability on project sites.

Innovation Solution

Development of flexible ventilation duct ends with interchangeable attachments, such as cuffs and buckles, hoops, and zippers, allowing a single duct to be configured for multiple attachment options, enabling connection to various inlets and outlets without the need for multiple ducts or reorientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple custom ducts with different attachments are manufactured to accommodate different inlet and outlet configurations, then adaptability to various project requirements is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different inlet and outlet configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing and inventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct system is segmented into a standardized duct body and interchangeable attachment components. The attachment can be separated and replaced with different types (e.g., round, rectangular, oval) depending on the project requirements, while the main duct body remains standard and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal duct body design is created that can accommodate multiple types of attachments. The standardized duct end configuration allows it to work with various attachment types, making a single duct body versatile for different inlet and outlet configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized ducts are stored for different configurations, then project-specific requirements can be met, but storage space and capital expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to meet project-specific requirementsVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the duct system into standardized bodies and interchangeable attachments, the storage requirement is reduced. Instead of storing multiple complete specialized ducts, only compact attachment components need to be stored, which can be easily attached and detached as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment components are designed to be easily removed, stored, and reused on different duct bodies. After a project is completed, the specialized attachments can be removed and recovered for use on other ducts, eliminating the need for permanent storage of multiple specialized duct configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom ducts with different attachments are manufactured for each customer's specific needs, then customer-specific requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer-specific configuration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing custom ducts for each customer, standardized duct bodies are produced in bulk. Customer-specific configurations are achieved by attaching appropriate standardized attachment components, which are essentially copies of proven designs rather than custom-engineered parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single duct end has multiple different interchangeable attachments, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of the duct end structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of attachment options on single duct endVSAvoidduct end structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct end is segmented into the standardized duct body and separate attachment components. This segmentation allows multiple attachment types to be used with a single duct body without increasing the complexity of the duct body itself, as the attachments are independent, interchangeable elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11131477B2Connector for flexible duct, flexible duct with interchangeable end, and method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 NATIONWIDE TARPS INC

AI summary

A flexible duct having a hollow tube shape. The flexible duct includes at least one end, and an opening defined by a first edge of the at least one end and forming a duct inlet or duct outlet. The at least one end includes at least a first attachment and a second attachment, and the first attachment and the second attachment are different. The first attachment and the second attachment can be used independently of one another to connect the at least one end to a first inlet or a first outlet. In one embodiment, a flexible duct includes an attachment that is a cuff. In another embodiment, a connector includes two different attachments and the connector can be affixed to a flexible duct end. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a flexible duct with different attachments at one end of the flexible duct, and flowing air through the flexible duct. In a further embodiment, a method includes providing a connector having two different attachments.