Modular Inflatable Air Ducts With Adjustable Airflow Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet metal ductwork is expensive, unsightly, and prone to condensation, while inflatable air ducts made of pliable materials offer a preferable alternative but lack flexibility in configuration and installation options.
Innovation Solution
The development of inflatable air ducts using pliable sidewall pieces with disconnectable joints allows for various configurations, including adjustable diameters and lengths, and the ability to direct airflow in different directions through the use of movable sheets and integral louvers, enabling flexible installation and airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional sheet metal ductwork is used, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but cost increases, aesthetic appearance deteriorates, and condensation resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible fabric or pliable material shells to form the air duct structure, replacing rigid sheet metal. These flexible materials are inflated to maintain structural integrity while providing the desired flexibility for configuration changes and aesthetic advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation with air or other gases to maintain the structural strength and rigidity of the flexible duct. By pressurizing the interior of the flexible shell, the duct achieves the necessary mechanical strength to convey air effectively while retaining its inherent flexibility for installation adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable air ducts made of pliable materials are used, then cost is reduced and aesthetic appearance is improved, but configuration flexibility and installation options worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air duct into multiple separate sections or modules that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each section can be configured and connected to form different overall duct arrangements, providing installation flexibility while maintaining aesthetic appearance through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements within the duct system, such as movable discharge openings, adjustable louvers, and flexible connection points. These dynamic features allow the duct configuration to be modified after installation to accommodate different spatial requirements and airflow distribution needs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inflatable air ducts are used, then cost is reduced and condensation resistance is improved, but airflow control capability and directional flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different parts of the duct system. Specific sections may have enhanced airflow control features such as adjustable discharge openings or integrated louvers, while other sections maintain simple smooth walls for efficient air flow. This localized differentiation provides airflow control capability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire duct system.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable air duct system that can be easily configured to meet specific airflow requirements and installation needs, offering improved flexibility and efficiency in air distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A blower at the inlet of the duct is selectively activated to supply conditioned air as needed. The air discharged from the blower inflates the duct to create a radially expanded tubular conduit that conveys the air along the length of the inflated tube.
Data Source
AI summary
In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.