HVAC Corner Flange with Self-Threading Bolt for One-Handed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner flanges in HVAC duct systems require two hands for installation due to the need to hold a bolt or nut while tightening, making it awkward and time-consuming, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A corner flange system using self-threading bolts with integrally formed truncated cones and a shank that includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, allowing for one-handed assembly by threading the bolt through the cone aperture until the unthreaded section is seated, then tightening to secure the duct sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolt and nut pairs are used to attach corner flanges, then secure connections are achieved, but two hands are required for installation making it awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt and nut into a single integrated fastener component. The fastener includes an elongate shaft with threading along its length and a head portion that integrates the functions of both bolt and nut, allowing one-handed installation while maintaining secure connections through the integrated threading mechanism that engages with the corner flange apertures
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to be self-installing without requiring a second hand to hold components. The threading along the shaft automatically engages with the aperture in the corner flange during insertion, and the head portion self-locks into position, eliminating the need for manual holding of separate bolt and nut components during installation
2Device complexity
If carriage bolts with square apertures are used, then the need for two tools is avoided, but two hands are still required during initial installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bolt shaft and nut into a single integrated fastener component. The fastener includes an elongate shaft with threading along its length and a head portion that integrates the functions of both bolt and nut, allowing one-handed installation while maintaining secure connections through the integrated threading mechanism that engages with the corner flange apertures
3Reliability
If traditional corner flanges are used, then duct sections can be connected, but installation is time-consuming in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed to be self-installing without requiring a second hand to hold components. The threading along the shaft automatically engages with the aperture in the corner flange during insertion, and the head portion self-locks into position, eliminating the need for manual holding of separate bolt and nut components during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a segmented component with distinct functional zones: a head portion for engagement and positioning, an elongate shaft for insertion, and threading along the shaft for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently during one-handed installation
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC duct section connection system is provided with first and second corner flanges, and at least one self-threading bolt. Both the first corner flange and the second corner flange include first and second legs. The first and second legs having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface is disposed opposite the interior surface. The first and second corner flanges each have at least one fastener aperture extending between the interior and the exterior surfaces, the fastener aperture including an integrally formed truncated cone extending out from the exterior surface, wherein the truncated cone has an inner diameter. The self-threading bolt has a shank and a head, the shank having a threaded section with a thread diameter sized to engage the inner diameter of the truncated cone.