Insulating Plug Assembly for Airtight AC Sleeve Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning units in wall sleeves are a significant source of heat loss in colder climates due to air leaks, despite the use of weatherization products, as they are not air-tight, leading to increased heating demands and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered insulating plug with semi-rigid plastic shells and foam layers, equipped with gaskets and fastening devices, designed to be easily installed and removed to create a tight seal around the air conditioning sleeve, minimizing air leakage and allowing for reinsertion of the AC unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If weatherization products such as caulk or foam strips are used to seal the gap between the AC unit and sleeve, then some air leakage is reduced, but air leaks still exist and heat loss continues through the AC unit itself
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple components: an interior cap with insulation, an exterior cap with insulation, and gaskets. This segmentation allows each component to address specific leakage paths, creating a comprehensive seal that prevents air infiltration through the sleeve opening and around the AC unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The caps are constructed using composite materials combining rigid structural elements with insulating materials (such as foam). This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for a durable seal and the thermal insulation properties to reduce heat loss through the caps themselves.
2Loss of energy
If a tight seal is created around the AC unit to prevent air leakage, then heat loss is reduced, but the AC unit cannot be easily reinserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The caps are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to be easily installed and removed when the AC unit is being serviced or replaced, yet provide a tight seal during normal operation. The interior and exterior caps can be detached to facilitate AC unit reinsertion, then reattached to restore the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The caps act as intermediary components between the sleeve opening and the AC unit. They can be independently installed or removed without permanently affixing the AC unit to the sleeve, allowing flexible operation while maintaining the sealing function when needed.
3Temperature
If insulation material is placed around the AC unit to reduce heat loss, then thermal barrier is improved, but air leaks still occur at the seal between the insulation and sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and insulation function are merged into a single integrated cap assembly. The rigid cap structure provides the sealing surface against the sleeve, while the attached insulating material provides thermal barrier protection. This combination ensures that the seal and insulation work together to prevent both air leakage and heat loss simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The insulating plug effectively prevents cold air infiltration and heat loss by forming a tight seal around the sleeve, reducing energy consumption and maintaining building warmth, while being easily removable and adaptable to various sleeve sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Insulating layers (3 and 6) such as foam are designed to fill the inside cavity in each of the outer shells (2 and 7)
Implementation Method 2
One or more gaskets (4 and 5) are located between the insulating layers (3 and 6) and outer shells (2 and 7)
Data Source
AI summary
A novel device and method to thermally seal openings such as air conditioner sleeves, ducts and chimney is disclosed and claimed. The device includes insulating layer and gasket layers sandwiched in between outer shells.