Method and apparatus for suspending duct by inserted corner members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting rectangular metal ducts in HVAC systems are costly and can compromise structural integrity, with steel wire potentially cutting into ducts and cradle bars requiring custom cutting, increasing labor costs and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for connecting elongate air transport ducts to supports using a plurality of support members, featuring load-bearing connections between corner members and channels, allowing for secure attachment without the need for custom cutting or excessive material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If steel wire is used to directly support the duct, then the support method is simple, but the wire can cut into the sheet metal wall of the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (support channel or cradle bar) between the steel wire and the duct wall. This intermediary distributes the concentrated load from the wire over a larger surface area of the duct, preventing the wire from cutting into the sheet metal while maintaining structural support.
2Reliability
If cradle bars are used to support the duct, then the duct is supported from below, but the cradle bars must be cut to size to correspond to the width of the ductwork, increasing labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cradle bar with a universal geometry that can accommodate various duct widths without requiring custom cutting. The cradle bar features a standardized profile with support surfaces that can adapt to different duct sizes, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions and dimensions, thereby reducing labor costs and increasing installation productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If threaded rods with cradle bars are used to suspend the duct, then the duct can be supported at regular intervals, but the threaded rods must be long enough to reach the bottom supported surface, increasing material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical support (threaded rods extending downward to reach the duct bottom) to a configuration where the cradle bar provides the primary support surface. The threaded rod length is reduced because the cradle bar's geometry allows it to contact the duct at an elevated position, effectively moving the support point to another dimension and reducing the required rod length.
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary support assembly for connecting an air transport duct to a support includes a body portion, a duct connecting means integrally formed with the body portion for selectively securing the support assembly to the air transport duct, and a support connecting means integrally formed with the body portion opposite the duct connecting means for selectively securing the support assembly to the support.