HVAC Conduit Support Assembly with Adjustable Clamp Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges due to relative movement of conduits, which affects the structural integrity, geometry, and efficiency of the system, particularly during transportation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly is designed to couple with the conduit and the housing of the HVAC system, featuring a mounting bracket, a cantilevered arm, and a clamp. This assembly blocks relative movement between the conduit and the housing, maintaining the conduit's positioning and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conduit is allowed to move relative to other components, then the system has greater flexibility and ease of installation, but the structural integrity and geometry of the conduit are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple segments: a mounting bracket that attaches to the housing, a support bracket with a cantilevered arm that provides intermediate support, and a clamp that secures the conduit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing stable conduit support without restricting installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities along the mounting bracket, and the clamp can be positioned at different locations on the cantilevered arm. This dynamic adjustability allows the support assembly to adapt to various conduit positions and configurations during installation, while maintaining structural integrity once installed.
2Reliability
If the conduit position is fixed to maintain structural integrity, then the geometry and efficiency are preserved, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly provides localized support at critical points along the conduit path. The mounting bracket anchors to the housing at a fixed location, the cantilevered arm extends to provide support at a specific distance, and the clamp secures the conduit at a precise position. This localized approach maintains conduit geometry and efficiency without requiring a complex full-length support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilevered arm acts as an intermediary element between the mounting bracket and the clamp. It transfers the support force from the stationary mounting bracket to the conduit-clamp assembly, enabling stable conduit positioning while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
3Productivity
If the conduit is secured firmly to prevent movement, then the flow efficiency is maintained, but the difficulty of installation and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with mounting holes and attachment features that align with standard housing structures. The cantilevered arm is pre-formed with the correct geometry and length, and the clamp is pre-shaped to fit the conduit. This preliminary preparation of components simplifies the installation process while ensuring firm conduit securing for optimal flow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a bracket comprising a base and an arm extending from the base. The arm includes a flange having a plurality of connectors configured to facilitate coupling to a clamp at each of a plurality of positions along the arm. The arm is configured to engage with and support a conduit of the HVAC system via the clamp.