Directional Floor Diffuser Retention Assembly for Above-Floor Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor diffusers are nondirectional, requiring access below the floor for installation and adjustment, limiting furniture placement and usable space due to their inability to emit air in specific directions.
Innovation Solution
A directional floor diffuser with a retention assembly that allows for movement and air direction control from above the floor, featuring a grate assembly with slotted sections and an air adjustment assembly with a wheel for varying airflow, enabling secure placement and adjustable air emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional floor diffusers are used, then they can be securely attached to the floor, but access below the floor is required for installation and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The floor diffuser is divided into two main segments: a grate assembly that remains visible above the floor and a pan assembly that extends below the floor. The retention assembly acts as a connecting mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged independently. This segmentation allows the diffuser to be secured below the floor while maintaining ease of access above the floor for adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with a retention bar that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions. The retention bar engages with retention lugs on the pan assembly to secure it below the floor, but can be released from above the floor. This dynamic feature eliminates the need for continuous access below the floor for adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nondirectional floor diffusers are used, then they can emit air uniformly in all directions, but furniture placement is restricted within 24-36 inches of the diffuser
Solution Approach 1:
The grate assembly incorporates directional vanes or slots that can be oriented to emit air in specific directions rather than uniformly in all directions. This local modification of the air emission pattern allows furniture to be placed closer to the diffuser in areas where air is not emitted, thereby increasing usable floor space while maintaining effective air distribution in occupied zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor diffuser incorporates movable components within the grate assembly that allow the air emission direction to be adjusted dynamically. Users can change the direction of air emission to suit different furniture arrangements and room configurations, providing adaptability while maximizing usable floor space.
3Reliability
If floor diffusers require access below the floor for adjustment, then secure attachment can be achieved, but user adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly is designed as a separate mechanism from the adjustment controls. The retention bar and retention lugs provide secure attachment below the floor, while the grate assembly above the floor incorporates adjustment mechanisms that can be operated independently. This segmentation allows both secure attachment and easy user adjustability without requiring access below the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly acts as an intermediary between the pan assembly below the floor and the grate assembly above the floor. It provides secure mechanical connection while allowing the grate assembly to be adjusted independently from above the floor. The retention mechanism transfers the security function to the below-floor portion, freeing the above-floor portion for easy user adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser for positioning in an opening of a passageway having conditioned air, the diffuser including a grate assembly, a pan assembly, and a retention assembly. The grate assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion contains an aperture, a plurality of slotted sections, and a flange. The lower portion includes downwardly depending sidewalls and a stop. The pan assembly includes a tray with an aperture and a plurality of upwardly depending legs. The retention assembly couples the grate assembly with the pan assembly and contains a first member that is movable from a first position to a second position for selectively engaging the stop.