Interchangeable duct seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ducting systems lack efficient and adaptable solutions for rapid attachment and sealing to various structures, particularly during temporary or emergency situations, such as construction or power outages, and do not effectively manage airflow, temperature control, humidity, and exhaust of unwanted substances.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable duct seal comprising panels with support structures and materials, equipped with braces and connectors, allowing for secure attachment to structures and enabling airflow through or exhaust from entryways, with configurations adaptable to different sizes and types of entryways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ducting systems are used for temporary or emergency applications, then installation and removal processes are time-consuming and complex, but the ducting can provide adequate airflow and sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidducting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct seal is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, etc.) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each panel can be separately attached to the structure using braces, allowing for modular installation and quick assembly/disassembly during temporary or emergency applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The duct seal system is designed to be adaptable to various structures (windows, doors, dock doors, entryways) and configurations. The panels and braces can be adjusted to fit different sizes and types of openings, providing a universal solution for temporary ducting applications across diverse scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ducting is adapted to existing structures during construction or emergencies, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but sealing effectiveness and structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to structuresVSAvoidsealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The duct seal system applies sealing material locally at the interface between the panels and the structure. The first and second panels are positioned within the entryway and secured to seal specifically at the contact points with the structure, providing targeted sealing effectiveness while maintaining adaptability to various structural configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are pre-configured with support structures and attachment mechanisms that enable quick positioning and sealing against the structure. The braces are designed to be readily attachable to secure the panels in place, allowing for rapid deployment and effective sealing during emergency or temporary applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If rapid attachment and sealing are achieved using simple mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity and secure mounting may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidmounting strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The duct seal system employs adjustable braces that can be dynamically positioned and secured at different locations along the panels. The braces provide progressive strengthening as they are attached, allowing the structure to transition from a simple configuration during installation to a strongly secured configuration once fully assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structures on the panels are combined with the brace mechanisms to create an integrated mounting system. The braces work together with the panel support structures to distribute mounting forces across multiple attachment points, achieving both ease of operation and strong structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12487004B2Interchangeable duct seal
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 NTI GLOBAL
  • US12487004B2 patent drawing
  • US12487004B2 patent drawing
  • US12487004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An interchangeable duct seal is provided. The interchangeable duct seal includes a first panel, the first panel having a first support structure and a first material attached to the first support structure; and a brace configured for securing the first panel to a structure; wherein the first panel includes a first opening and is configured to connect to a first duct and/or allow the first duct to pass through the interchangeable duct seal. The interchangeable duct seal may also include a second panel or multiple panels. Related kits and methods are also provided.