Foldable Boot-Loadable Air Damper for Retrofit Ductwork Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air dampers face challenges in retrofit applications due to high costs and inaccessibility in ductwork, noise issues, and size limitations, particularly when trying to control airflow in areas with limited access or where complete shutoff is needed.
Innovation Solution
A boot loadable air damper device with a retractable actuator, pivoting member, and foldable damper blade, featuring tensioned hinges that allow the blade to unfold and restrict further extension, enabling easy installation through register boots and secure attachment to ductwork surfaces, while an actuator adjusts airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damper is made large to provide complete shutoff capability, then airflow control effectiveness is improved, but the damper cannot fit through standard register boot openings
Solution Approach 1:
The damper blade is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other. When folded, the segments compact to a small size for insertion through standard register boots. When unfolded, they form a complete shutoff surface across the duct opening, resolving the contradiction between compact installation size and full shutoff capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ductwork is reconfigured to access inaccessible portions for damper installation, then airflow control coverage is improved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is designed to be installed through the access dimension of existing register boots rather than requiring access to previously inaccessible ductwork portions. The foldable blade extends perpendicular to the boot opening, allowing control of airflow in three-dimensional space while accessing through a two-dimensional opening, eliminating the need for expensive ductwork reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If damper blades are positioned close together to achieve complete shutoff, then airflow control precision is improved, but accelerated air between edges produces whistling noise
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented blade design allows multiple narrow segments to be positioned close together for precise airflow control and complete shutoff. The segments are individually supported and positioned to maintain proper spacing and alignment, reducing turbulent flow and whistling noises that would occur with a single large blade positioned at extreme angles.
4Ease of operation
If a compact damper design is used to fit through register boots, then ease of installation is improved, but the damper may not provide complete shutoff of airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The damper blade transitions from a static compact form during installation to a dynamic extended form during operation. The blade can be folded into a compact configuration for easy insertion through register boots, then unfolded to span the full duct opening for complete shutoff. This dynamic transformation allows the damper to satisfy both compact installation requirements and full shutoff capability.
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
Enables efficient airflow control with reduced noise and complete shutoff capabilities, overcoming accessibility and size limitations, and allowing for easy installation and adjustment within ductwork systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tensioned hinge member operatively connected to the foldable damper blade for unfolding the damper blade
Data Source
AI summary
A boot loadable air damper includes an actuator, a support base supporting the actuator, and a foldable sheet member attached to the support base for securing the damper device to an inner surface of the ductwork. The air damper device also includes a foldable damper blade that is foldable at first and second tensioned hinges which bias it towards an unfolded state and, when fully unfolded into the unfolded state, at least one stop member acting against the first and second tensioned hinges restricts further unfolding of the foldable damper blade.