HVAC Line Set Cover Assembly for Airtight Wall Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting HVAC line sets exiting a structure are inadequate, as they often fail to provide a uniform, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution, especially when dealing with multiple line sets and unusual angles.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising two face plates with hollow cone protrusions that pivot to form a closed cone shape, combined with a sleeve membrane that wraps around the line sets, providing a secure and airtight seal without relying on foam fillers, adhesives, or tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If soft foamed polymer fillers and adhesive tapes are used to seal the opening, then installation is simple, but the seal fails when exposed to outdoor environment and is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of weather-resistant material that forms a durable seal around the line set penetration. This membrane replaces the inadequate soft foamed polymer fillers and adhesive tapes, providing both environmental resistance and aesthetic appearance while maintaining installation simplicity through its flexible nature that adapts to the penetration opening.
2Productivity
If non-uniform products and methods are used to seal the opening, then installation is quick, but the result is not uniform and not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cover assembly that can accommodate various line set configurations, sizes, and angles through a single standardized product. The flexible membrane and adjustable clamping mechanism allow the same assembly to uniformly seal different penetration scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple specialized products while maintaining installation speed and achieving uniform, aesthetically pleasing results.
3Manufacturing precision
If recess boxing with metal boxes embedded into exterior wall is used, then uniform sealing is achieved, but aesthetic issues and complexity arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing function into separate modular components: a mounting bracket for structural attachment, a flexible membrane for sealing, and a clamping mechanism for securing the line set. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying installation compared to the monolithic recess boxing approach, and the membrane provides superior aesthetic appearance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If single inlet roof flashings are used, then some protection is provided, but they do not accommodate multiple line sets and unusual angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic, adjustable clamping mechanism that can adapt to various line set angles and positions. The flexible membrane can be shaped and secured at different angles, and the clamping system can be adjusted to accommodate multiple line sets exiting at unusual angles, providing both protection and versatility that rigid single inlet flashings cannot achieve.
5Ease of operation
If prior art covers are used that do not accommodate odd angles, then installation is straightforward, but they fail to accommodate existing HVAC outdoor units and require disconnection of pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable parameters in its design, including variable clamping positions, flexible membrane dimensions, and adjustable mounting bracket orientations. These parameter changes allow the cover assembly to accommodate existing HVAC outdoor units and various line set configurations without requiring disconnection of pipes, maintaining installation ease while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for HVAC conduits and wiring exiting a structure is provided permitting a simplified solution to protect the line set in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A two-part face plate fits around the conduits and wiring. Each face plate includes a partial cone-shaped protruding member that circumscribes the conduits and wiring once installed. The cover also includes a sleeve that fits around the conduits, distal the cone-shaped protruding members in a tight-fitting manner providing further protection. The cover is easily removeable for a service technician to maintain and repair the conduits or wiring in future servicing.