Foldable HVAC Suspension Grid for Fast Level Evaporator Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of HVAC equipment, particularly evaporator units, air handlers, and emergency drain pans, is labor-intensive and costly due to the need for custom-built support structures that also require noise abatement and proper orientation to prevent water damage from condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled, lightweight apparatus featuring a grid arrangement of lateral beams, support beams, and flexible hangers that can be easily deployed and adjusted to suspend HVAC units and emergency drain pans from existing overhead structures, reducing labor and costs while addressing noise and condensation concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-built support structures are used to suspend HVAC equipment, then equipment support and noise abatement are achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-assembled with all necessary components (beams, hangers, connectors) before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly eliminates on-site construction time and ensures proper structural integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable equipment support and reduced installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into modular segments that can be easily transported and quickly assembled. The segmented design allows for rapid deployment while maintaining structural reliability, addressing both the support requirement and the time constraint
2Ease of operation
If custom-built support structures are fabricated for each installation, then proper support and orientation are achieved, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable components that allow for dynamic adaptation to different installation requirements. The adjustable hangers and connectors enable proper orientation and positioning without requiring custom fabrication, reducing both complexity and labor costs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled support structure is designed as a universal system that can accommodate various HVAC equipment types and configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for custom-built structures for each installation, reducing complexity while maintaining proper support and orientation capabilities
3Object-generated harmful factors
If equipment is suspended from overhead structures, then noise is isolated from conditioned space, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable hangers allow for parameter changes in length and positioning, enabling the support structure to adapt to various overhead structures and equipment configurations. This maintains installation flexibility while preserving the noise isolation benefits of overhead suspension
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC evaporator unit and emergency drain pan are suspended from an existing overhead structure. Plural lateral beams are disposed along a horizontal plane, which support a pair of support beams, which support the HVAC evaporator unit. The beams are connected to each other by plural pivot connectors, which thereby defines a grid arrangement that is foldable about the plural pivot connectors. Plural pan support beams are suspended by pairs of pan hangers, which are connected to the ends the plural lateral beams. Plural flexible hangers are connected to ends of the plural lateral beams, for connection to and suspension from the existing overhead support structure. Hanger clamps are used to adjust the plural flexible hangers to facilitate height adjustment and leveling.