Foldable Drywall Air Outlet for Flush Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation devices integrated into drywall ceilings face challenges in seamless installation, maintenance, and aesthetic integration, as they often require separate planning and can visually disrupt the architectural design.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device with a foldable air outlet that is integrated into the drywall paneling, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, and featuring a cover frame that seals unnecessary air outlet openings and ensures a flush installation, thereby maintaining the architectural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thin metal plates are used for air outlets, then the air outlet can be made visually unobtrusive, but it does not finish flush with the outer edge of the thick drywall panels
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet plate is nested within a mounting frame that has a thickness matching the drywall panel. The mounting frame acts as a carrier structure that accommodates the thinner air outlet plate, allowing the combination to finish flush with the drywall outer edge while maintaining a relatively simple air outlet plate design
2Adaptability or versatility
If ventilation devices are installed separately after drywall construction, then installation flexibility is maintained, but the existing drywall structure must be damaged to create openings
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is designed with pre-formed openings that match standard ventilation device dimensions. This preliminary preparation allows ventilation devices to be installed without damaging the drywall structure, as the openings are created during the drywall construction phase itself when the mounting frame is integrated into the panel
3Shape
If the air outlet is fixed flush with the drywall panel, then aesthetic integration is achieved, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet plate is designed to be movable relative to the mounting frame, allowing it to be folded out or removed from its flush position. This dynamic design enables the air outlet to maintain an aesthetically pleasing flush installation during normal use, while providing easy access for maintenance by allowing the plate to be folded out or detached
4Reliability
If perforated gypsum plasterboards are used for air passage, then acoustic noise reducing functionality is achieved, but the large thickness prevents flat angular outflow of air
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage system is segmented into two functional parts: the perforated gypsum plasterboard for acoustic noise reduction, and a separate mounting frame with air outlet plate for controlling air flow direction. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
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
The solution enables seamless integration of ventilation systems into drywall constructions without damaging the existing structure, facilitates easy maintenance, and maintains a uniform, visually appealing design.
Implementation Method 1
The so-called Coanda effect is utilized. To achieve this in ceiling outlets, a flat outflow of air from the ceiling outlet is imperative.
Data Source
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AI summary
Air outlet for a ventilation device, the ventilation device comprising at least an air outlet, an air supply means, and an air guiding device, wherein the air outlet includes a plate having air outlet openings, and wherein the air outlet is in the installed state foldably mounted to an interior paneling such that it can be folded out of the interior paneling to allow for accessing a space there-behind.