Floor Register Drain Assembly for Liquid Capture and Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air handling duct systems in HVAC systems face issues with liquid spills from rooms like bathrooms and laundry rooms, where liquids can flow through floor registers and damage ceilings, as existing solutions do not effectively manage both air flow and liquid drainage.
Innovation Solution
An air register drain system with a duct portion connected to ductwork and a collection portion that collects liquids, featuring a resilient liner to prevent liquid flow around the register, a drain pipe trap with a U-bend or one-way flow valve to prevent reverse gas flow, and a liquid drain connector for integration with building plumbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a liquid drain is installed beneath the floor around the register opening, then liquid damage to ceilings is prevented, but air handling facilities must be accommodated to maintain HVAC functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid drain function and air handling function into a single integrated register assembly. The drain pan collects liquids while the register maintains air flow, eliminating the need for separate protective structures and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The register assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an air supply/return device and a liquid collection device. The integrated design allows the same structure to handle both air flow and liquid drainage, reducing overall system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the register opening is sealed to prevent liquid flow, then liquid leakage is stopped, but air flow through the register is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is positioned specifically at the bottom of the register opening where liquids would accumulate and flow through. This localized liquid collection approach allows the rest of the register opening to remain open for air flow, achieving both liquid prevention and air flow maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan acts as an intermediary structure between the register opening and the space below. It intercepts liquids at the point of potential leakage while allowing air to pass through the register blades above, separating the liquid and air flow paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple drain structure is used, then installation is simplified, but it cannot accommodate both liquid collection and air handling functions
Solution Approach 1:
The register and drain pan are designed as an integrated assembly that can be installed as a single unit. This merging of functions into one manufacturable component simplifies installation while providing both air handling and liquid collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated register assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single manufacturable unit, making it adaptable to various HVAC applications while maintaining ease of installation through standardized construction.
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
Effectively captures and directs spilled liquids away from the duct system into the building's plumbing, preventing ceiling damage while maintaining air flow through the HVAC system, with a design adaptable to various spacings and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient liner to prevent liquid flow around the register
Implementation Method 2
a simple U-bend pipe
Implementation Method 3
a resilient one way flow valve, permitting liquid flow, but resisting reverse flow of drain gasses
Implementation Method 4
An angled transition wall extends from the collector bottom wall to the duct bottom wall
Data Source
AI summary
An air register drain, for draining liquid from a duct register opening, and having; a collector portion having a bottom wall, side walls, and a top wall and an end wall at one end; a duct connection (opening); an air register opening in the top; fastenings for fastening drain, the air register opening in position beneath a register opening in a floor, a liquid collection well wherein liquid can collect, and, a liquid drain in the well connectable to a liquid drain pipe.