Grid Assembly with Elastic Spring Coupling for Screw-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid assembly systems for air distribution systems face issues with reliability, ease of assembly and disassembly, accessibility for maintenance, and complexity in production, particularly when incorporating filters.
Innovation Solution
A grid assembly system that uses elastic coupling springs to securely attach the grid to a mounting frame without visible screws, allowing for simple and reliable assembly and disassembly, and easy integration with filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the grid to the casing, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible screws
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from visible screws and relocates it to rear hooks that engage with the casing from behind the grid. This removes the aesthetic defect while preserving the coupling reliability, as the hooks provide secure attachment without being visible from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rear hooks as an intermediary coupling mechanism between the grid and casing. These hooks serve as a mediator that provides reliable mechanical coupling while remaining hidden from view, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and aesthetics.
2Shape
If springs are used to couple the grid to the casing, then the aesthetic appearance is improved by hiding fasteners, but the device complexity increases due to additional spring components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the elastic coupling function from complex spring assemblies and replaces it with simple rear hooks that engage with the casing. This eliminates the need for multiple springs while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of hidden fasteners and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive hook components instead of complex spring assemblies. These hooks are easy to manufacture and install, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity while achieving the same aesthetic and functional goals.
3Reliability
If complex coupling devices with multiple springs are used, then the grid can be securely attached, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficult assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the coupling function into simple, modular rear hooks that can be independently manufactured and attached to the grid. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple spring components, while maintaining secure attachment through the hook-casing engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple hook components that are inexpensive and easy to manufacture, replacing complex spring assemblies. These hooks can be easily attached to the grid and require minimal assembly operations, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable attachment.
4Reliability
If safety cables are added to prevent grid detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional safety components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the safety function from separate cable systems and integrates it directly into the rear hook coupling mechanism. The hooks themselves provide the retention function, eliminating the need for additional safety cables and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
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 system provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-maintain grid assembly that eliminates the need for safety cables and visible screws, simplifies production, and facilitates quick assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling device (5) comprising at least one pair of elastic coupling springs (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A grid assembly (1), in particular for air distribution systems, comprises a casing (2); a grid (3) positioned to close a front opening (7) of the casing (2); a mounting frame (4) provided with fastening members (25) to fix the frame (4) to the casing (2); and a coupling device (5) for coupling the grid (3) to the frame (4); and comprising elastic coupling springs (30) that project from a first side (21a) of the frame (4) and cooperate with a first portion (14) of an inner edge (13) of the grid (3), and one or more undercut teeth (17) projecting from a second portion (15) of the inner edge (13) of the grid (3) and engaging respective coupling seats (31) formed on a second side (21b) of the frame (4).