Low-Profile Ventilation Duct Connector for Airproof Snap Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for air conditioning, heating, and ventilation ducts are cumbersome, require excessive tools, and occupy too much space, making them difficult to install and handle, especially in narrow areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact, ultra-low-profile connector with a U-shaped cross-section and snap engagement mechanism, made of thin sheet metal, which allows for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for extensive tooling, and can fit into tight spaces due to its optimized design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors with multiple separate ledge members are used, then airproof joining of duct ends is achieved, but the connector becomes bulky and cumbersome requiring additional equipment for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate ledge members into a single integrated connector body with continuous peripheral surface that forms all ledges in one piece. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components while maintaining the airproof joining function through the continuous peripheral structure that engages with duct ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is segmented into functional zones with ledges at different heights and positions around the peripheral surface, allowing different engagement modes for duct ends while maintaining structural unity. The segmentation is functional rather than structural, achieving complexity reduction.
2Reliability
If connectors with multiple loose parts are used, then airproof connection is obtained, but the connector requires welding units, screw drivers, riveting machines, and/or glue to be installed at the installation site
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a self-contained unit with all fastening and sealing features integrated into the single connector body. The connector serves itself by incorporating all necessary functional elements (ledges, engagement surfaces, sealing interfaces) in one piece, eliminating the need for external welding units, screw drivers, riveting machines, or glue during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
All fastening and sealing functions that previously required separate components and tools are merged into the single connector body structure, allowing installation with minimal equipment while achieving tight connection.
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then duct joining is achieved, but the connector has high building height requiring more space when installed and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The connector redesign redistributes the engagement features from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal circumferential arrangement around the duct. The ledges are positioned at different angular positions around the peripheral surface rather than stacked vertically, reducing the building height dimension while maintaining joining capability through circumferential engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows compact nesting of functional features within the circumferential space, with ledges and engagement surfaces nested around the duct perimeter rather than extending outward in multiple dimensions, reducing overall building height.
4Reliability
If bulky connectors with several loose parts are used, then airproof seal is achieved, but the connector is difficult to handle and carry around
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple loose parts are merged into a single integrated connector body that maintains airproof sealing capability. The unified structure with continuous peripheral surface provides all necessary sealing and engagement functions in one handleable component, eliminating the difficulty of managing multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a thin-walled but structurally sound shell design that provides flexibility for handling and installation while maintaining the rigid peripheral features needed for airproof sealing. The thin-walled construction reduces weight and improves ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a square-shaped connector (10) for airproof joining of square-shaped ventilation duct ends (1A, 1A'), the square-shaped connector (10) comprising a first circumferential groove (11) adapted to receive a first ventilation duct end (1A, 1B) and a second circumferential groove (12) adapted to receive a second ventilation duct end (1A', 1B'),