Modular Pliable Air Duct Assembly for Configurable Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet metal ductwork is expensive, unsightly, and prone to condensation, while existing inflatable air ducts lack flexibility in configuration and customization for various installation needs.
Innovation Solution
The development of pliable inflatable air ducts made from fabric or similar materials, which can be assembled from interchangeable sidewall pieces of varying sizes and shapes, allowing for adjustable diameters and lengths, and featuring disconnectable joints and movable sheets to control airflow direction and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sheet metal ductwork is used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but cost increases, aesthetic appearance deteriorates, and condensation resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible fabric materials with reinforced stitching and structural support elements to create inflatable ducts that maintain structural integrity while being cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. The fabric construction with internal support ribs provides the necessary strength without requiring expensive metal materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If inflatable air ducts are used, then cost and aesthetic appearance are improved, but configuration flexibility and customization capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable duct system is divided into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each module can be independently configured and assembled in various combinations, enabling flexible adaptation to different spatial requirements while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system incorporates adjustable components including movable discharge openings, variable geometry sections, and reconfigurable connection points that allow the inflatable structure to dynamically adapt its configuration during installation and operation to meet diverse customization requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration inflatable ducts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different installation requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The duct modules are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that enable a single manufactured component to serve multiple installation configurations. The same basic module can be assembled in different orientations and combined with other modules to create various duct arrangements, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and installation adaptability.
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
Enables cost-effective, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing air distribution solutions with adjustable configurations to suit different installation requirements, improving airflow control and flexibility.
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.