Louver, damper and mesh screen module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing louver, damper, and mesh screen modules (LDM modules) require time-consuming and costly installation processes with a high risk of human error, necessitating numerous cables and materials, and maintenance often requires shutting down the central air handling unit.

Innovation Solution

The LDM modules incorporate a trunking frame with a bulkhead connector and actuator cabling system that allows for a single connection to a controller, reducing the need for individual junction boxes and cables, enabling quick and safe installation without power shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual junction boxes and cables are used for each LDM module section, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual junction boxes and their associated cables are merged into a single integrated junction box assembly. This assembly receives all controller cables through one bulkhead connector and distributes them to multiple actuators within the sealed enclosure, reducing installation time while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated junction box assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cable entry point, a distribution hub for multiple actuators, and a sealed enclosure for electrical connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate junction boxes for each actuator.

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

2Reliability

If numerous individual cables and junction boxes are used, then reliable signal transmission is ensured, but the amount of cabling and materials increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcabling material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate cable runs are merged into a single cable entry point through the bulkhead connector. All actuator connections are consolidated within one junction box assembly, reducing the total amount of cabling and installation materials required while ensuring reliable signal transmission to all actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional installation methods with elevated platforms and hand tools are used, then proper installation is achieved, but worker injury risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation properityVSAvoidworker injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The installation process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) mounting the complete LDM module assembly as a single unit using mechanical fasteners, and (2) making electrical connections at ground level through the accessible bulkhead connector. This segmentation eliminates the need for workers to be positioned on elevated platforms during electrical work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead connector acts as an intermediary that brings the cable entry point to the exterior of the LDM module assembly. This allows electrical connections to be made from ground level without requiring workers to access the interior of the module from elevated positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of repair

If maintenance work is performed on traditional LDM modules, then repairs can be made, but the central air handling unit must be shut down causing inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidair handling unit availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The LDM module assembly is segmented as a独立的可拆卸单元 (independent removable unit) that can be serviced separately from the central air handling unit. The bulkhead connector design allows electrical connections to be made or disconnected from the exterior, enabling maintenance without shutting down the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250369646A1Louver, damper and mesh screen module
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 TATE ACCESS FLOORS INC
  • US20250369646A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369646A1 patent drawing
  • US20250369646A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A louver and damper module having a damper assembly and a louver assembly supported by a main frame, a trunking frame that is attached to the main frame and a cabling assembly. The damper assembly includes an actuator that rotates rotatable blades of the damper assembly based on a signal from a controller. The cabling system includes a bulkhead connector and a cabling system connecting the bulkhead connector to the actuator. The bulkhead connector is configured to removably receive at least one controller cable through which the signal is transmitted from the controller. The cabling system includes a connector, an actuator cable having a first end connected to the bulkhead connector and a second end connected to the connector and a cable connecting the connector to the actuator. The actuator cable and the connector are encased in the trunking frame.