Concave Flexible Duct Support to Prevent Sagging and Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct support systems for flexible HVAC ducts are inefficient due to the small contact area of metal strapping, leading to sagging and crimping, which restricts airflow and increases installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and multiple straps that provide increased surface contact and support for curved surfaces, allowing for free airflow and easier installation by affixing straps to a structural member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal strapping is used to support flexible ducts, then the duct can be secured to structural members, but the contact area is small causing the duct to sag and crimp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the duct support with a convoluted anterior end that features a curved contact surface. This curved surface conformally engages with the flexible duct, increasing the contact area from the small line contact of traditional strapping to a larger surface contact, thereby preventing sagging and crimping while maintaining duct support stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal strapping is used with small contact area, then installation is simpler, but airflow is restricted due to sagging and crimping
Solution Approach 1:
The convoluted anterior end with its curved contact surface prevents airflow restriction by maintaining the flexible duct's natural round shape. The curved surface distributes support forces evenly across the duct circumference, preventing localized crimping that would otherwise restrict airflow, while the overall support structure remains simple to install.
3Reliability
If metal strapping is used, then duct support is provided, but installation is cumbersome requiring hammer, nail, or screw gun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal strapping to a foam-based material for the duct support. This material substitution allows the support to be installed using adhesive bonding or mechanical attachment methods rather than requiring hammering or screwing operations, significantly reducing installation difficulty while maintaining reliable duct support through the foam's conformal contact capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for supporting a flexible duct. The apparatus comprises a concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and one or more straps. The concave duct support structure is placed in contact with outer surface of the flexible duct. The convoluted anterior end supports curved surfaces of the flexible duct. The concave duct support structure comprises multiple slits. The straps pass through the slits of the concave duct support structure. Distal ends of the straps may be affixed to a structural member for suspending the flexible duct supported on the concave duct support structure. The concave duct support structure prevents the flexible duct from sagging and crimping, thereby allowing free flow of air, liquids, etc. through the flexible duct.