Hybrid plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems face challenges in reusing plenum boxes and diffusers between open-mount and false ceiling installations due to different design requirements, leading to inefficiencies in installation flexibility, waste generation, and increased storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid plenum system with a cylindrical design allows conversion between open-mount and false ceiling installations, using a circular connection with adjustable outlet dimensions and standard ducts, enabling easy adaptation and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plenum boxes and diffusers are designed specifically for open-mount or false ceiling installations, then installation performance and aesthetics are optimized for that specific application, but versatility and reuse capability between different installation types deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum box is designed with a universal cylindrical shape and standardized circular connection dimensions that allow it to be used in both open-mount and false ceiling installations. The diffuser is similarly designed with a circular connection interface that matches the plenum box, enabling the same components to serve multiple installation purposes without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation assembly is divided into separable components (plenum box, diffuser, mounting brackets) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The mounting brackets are designed as separate attachable components that can be configured for different installation types, allowing the core plenum box and diffuser to remain reusable while adapting to different mounting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different modules are produced for different installation types, then installation requirements are met, but storage space requirements and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal plenum box design with standardized circular connections can replace multiple specialized modules. The same plenum box and diffuser combination serves both open-mount and false ceiling installations, eliminating the need to produce and store separate module variants for different installation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting configuration is adjusted by changing the position and attachment method of removable mounting brackets rather than producing different plenum box modules. This parameter change approach allows one module design to adapt to different installation requirements without increasing storage needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If rectangular plenum boxes are used for false ceiling installations, then stacking and transport are easier, but adaptability to circular ducts and open-mount installations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum box is designed with a cylindrical shape that naturally interfaces with circular ducts and maintains adaptability for both open-mount and false ceiling installations. The cylindrical form factor provides sufficient stacking and transport efficiency while preserving the circular connection interface needed for versatile duct integration.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5e
AI summary
Ventilation assembly comprising plenum box (31) and diffuser (32), further comprising a connection element (33, 33') arranged to be mounted between the plenum box (31) and the diffuser (32). The connection element (33, 33'), which is releasably attachable to the plenum box (31), is selected from the group consisting of i) a connection element (33) comprising an annular part (33a) and a tube shaped part (33b) extending perpendicularly from the annular part (33a), and ii) a connection element (33') of just annular configuration. A method for converting the ventilation assembly from open-mount configuration to a false-ceiling configuration is also comprised.