Flexible duct with interchangeable end, connector for flexible duct, and method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A flexible duct with interchangeable circumferential attachments at one end, allowing for independent mechanical coupling to various inlets or outlets, enabling a single duct to serve multiple purposes without the need for multiple ducts or extensive reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple custom ducts with different attachments are manufactured to accommodate different inlet/outlet configurations, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment configuration versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The duct end is designed with multiple interchangeable attachments that can be swapped to accommodate different inlet and outlet configurations. This allows a single duct body to serve multiple functions and adapt to various connection requirements, eliminating the need to manufacture separate custom ducts for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct system is divided into modular components: a standardized duct body and interchangeable attachment elements. The attachments can be independently selected and swapped based on the specific connection needs, allowing the system to be configured for different applications without replacing the entire duct.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment configuration versatilityVSAvoidinventory quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single duct body with multiple interchangeable attachments provides the versatility of multiple specialized ducts. Users only need to maintain inventory of the attachment components rather than storing multiple complete duct assemblies, significantly reducing storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of multiple specialized ducts is merged into a single duct system through the use of interchangeable attachments. This consolidation allows users to have one duct that can be configured for different applications, reducing the total quantity of duct inventory needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment configuration versatilityVSAvoidattachment selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different attachment types are provided for specific local connection requirements at the duct end. Each attachment is designed with specific characteristics suited for particular inlet/outlet configurations, allowing users to select the appropriate attachment based on the local connection needs without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11965669B2Flexible duct with interchangeable end, connector for flexible duct, and method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 NTI GLOBAL

AI summary

A flexible duct includes a hollow tube shape, at least one end, a first circumferential attachment and a second circumferential attachment integral to the at least one end, wherein the first circumferential attachment and the second circumferential attachment are each configured to independently mechanically couple the at least one end around a first inlet or a first outlet, and wherein the first circumferential attachment and the second circumferential attachment are different. A method includes providing a flexible duct, selecting one of the first circumferential attachment or second circumferential attachment of the flexible duct, and mechanically coupling the selected first circumferential attachment or second circumferential attachment around the first inlet or first outlet. A connector for a flexible duct includes a hollow tube shape extending between a first connector end and a second connector end and a first circumferential attachment and second circumferential attachment integral to the at least one end.