Modular Fire-Rated Ventilation Duct Assembly With Integral Subducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC duct systems require complex on-site fabrication and multiple trades to install fire-rated shafts with subducts, leading to time-consuming and costly processes.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated, modular, all-in-one fire-rated ventilation shaft duct assembly with integral subducts, featuring horizontal and vertical ducts made from various materials, which can be easily assembled and connected, eliminating the need for on-site fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional field-fabricated duct systems are used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly is pre-fabricated off-site with all necessary components (main duct, subducts, fire dampers, insulation, vapor barriers) assembled before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary fabrication eliminates time-consuming on-site construction while maintaining design flexibility through modular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate components (main duct, subducts, fire dampers, insulation layers, vapor barriers) are merged into a single integrated prefabricated assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate installation steps and trades required, directly improving installation productivity.
2Loss of time
If multiple separate components are used for main duct and subducts, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main duct and subducts are manufactured as a single integrated assembly with all connections, fire dampers, and insulation pre-installed. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate installation steps, significantly reducing on-site installation time while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular designs.
Solution Approach 2:
All assembly operations (welding, insulation installation, vapor barrier application, fire damper installation) are performed in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action transfers complexity to the manufacturing phase where it can be efficiently handled, leaving only simple installation tasks for the construction site.
3Device complexity
If fire-rated shafts with subducts are fabricated on-site, then fire resistance ratings are maintained, but multiple trades and extensive fabrication are required
Solution Approach 1:
All components requiring fire-rated construction (main duct, subducts, fire dampers, insulation, vapor barriers) are merged into a single pre-assembled fire-rated unit. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized trades (metalworkers, HVAC technicians, carpenters) to perform separate fabrication steps on-site, reducing device complexity while maintaining fire resistance through factory-controlled quality assurance.
Data Source
AI summary
A prefabricated, modular, duct assembly comprising a main duct having an outer wall, an inner wall, a first end and a second end. A horizontal duct assembly extending through the main duct between the first end and the second end. A vertical duct assembly extending along the inner wall from the horizontal duct assembly to the first end.