Modular Light Ventilation Shaft With Interconnected Base And Side Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing production methods for light and ventilation shafts lack flexibility and are costly due to inflexible manufacturing processes, making it difficult to accommodate varying requirements.

Innovation Solution

A modular design for light and ventilation shafts using interconnected base and side modules with a connecting device, allowing for easy adjustment of width, depth, and length by adding or removing modules, and incorporating hollow chamber profiles with stiffening elements for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional inflexible manufacturing methods are used for light and ventilation shafts, then production costs are reduced through simplified processes, but flexibility to accommodate varying requirements is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to accommodate varying requirementsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light and ventilation shaft is divided into modular components (side walls, base, cover) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables flexible configuration of different shaft types and sizes while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates universal components that can serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations. The same base module can form different shaft widths, and side wall modules can be arranged in different patterns, allowing a single set of standardized components to meet varying requirements without requiring completely different manufacturing processes.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are used to increase flexibility, then adaptability to varying requirements is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple components and connection devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in shaft configurationVSAvoidnumber of modules and connecting devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is segmented into standardized modules with consistent connection interfaces. This standardization reduces the variety of connection devices needed while maintaining modular flexibility. The same connection device type can join different module combinations, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating entirely different components for varying shaft requirements, the invention changes parameters such as the number of modules, their arrangement patterns, and dimensional specifications. This allows flexible configuration through parameter variation rather than through fundamentally different component designs, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized modular components are used, then production costs are reduced through economies of scale, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fit and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction cost efficiencyVSAvoiddimensional accuracy of modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the shaft into standardized modules, the invention enables economies of scale through repeated production of identical or similar components. This standardization reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to custom-made components, as the same modules can be produced using standardized tooling and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design incorporates connection devices and tolerance compensation mechanisms that accommodate minor dimensional variations. These features provide beforehand cushioning against precision issues, allowing modules with standard tolerances to assemble correctly without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2599935B1Light and/or ventilation shaft and set for the production of a light and/or ventilation shaft
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2599935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2599935B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2599935B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The shaft has side walls (11-13) and a bottom (10). The bottom comprises two identical bottom modules (18), which are interconnected through the connecting portion. The side walls comprise two identical side modules (19), which are connected over the connecting portion and are aligned next to each other. The plug connection, preferably tongue-and-groove connection is provided for the connection of two side modules and/or bottom modules. The side wall and/or the bottom and/or side modules and/or the bottom module are formed as a hollow chamber section. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) set for manufacturing shaft; and (2) method for manufacturing shaft.