Kit to obtain a plenum for air distribution with quick configuration, plenum and assembly method of the kit to obtain the plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air distribution plenums are cumbersome, require extensive customization, have unstable connections, and suffer from air leakage, necessitating complex assembly and technician intervention.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a polymeric material-based plenum with removable caps and connection elements featuring quick-coupling mechanisms, such as bayonet or threaded connections, allowing for easy configuration and stable, leak-resistant assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal plenums with fixed connectors or fittings are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase due to cumbersome assembly and unused openings occupying space
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum is divided into modular sections with standardized openings that can be independently configured. Each section can be assembled separately and then connected, allowing the system to be built in segments rather than as a single complex piece. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum design incorporates universal connection elements and standardized opening configurations that can serve multiple functions. The same structural framework supports various connection types and configurations, allowing the plenum to adapt to different installation requirements without requiring custom components for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metal plenums with removable fittings are used, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates resulting in possible air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs nested structures where inner components are housed within outer components, creating multiple levels of engagement. This nested arrangement provides both removability for reconfiguration and multiple contact points for stable, leak-free connections when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements incorporate dynamic features that allow for easy insertion and removal during configuration changes, while automatically establishing stable, tight-fitting connections when assembled. The dynamic design enables the system to transition between configured and reconfigurable states without compromising connection integrity.
3Reliability
If polymeric material plenums with fixed connectors on pre-configured plates are used, then connection stability is improved, but installation time increases due to continuous de-coupling and re-coupling actions requiring special technicians
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements and mounting plates are pre-configured during manufacturing with standardized interfaces and alignment features. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, allowing installers to simply connect pre-prepared components rather than performing multiple de-coupling and re-coupling actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically ensure proper connection without requiring specialized technician intervention. Standardized interfaces with built-in alignment guides and snap-fit or threaded connection mechanisms enable non-specialized personnel to assemble and reconfigure the system efficiently.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized modular components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure stable coupling and minimize air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall plenum system uses standardized modular components for ease of manufacture, the connection interfaces incorporate locally enhanced precision features. Critical coupling surfaces, sealing interfaces, and alignment elements are manufactured with higher precision locally at the connection points, while the bulk of the plenum structure maintains standard manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A kit for obtaining a plenum (2) for distributing air comprising a main box-like collector structure (10) provided with a plurality of walls (11) defining an inner compartment (12) and comprising at least one first main opening (13) which can be operatively connected with the central air unit, at least one connection pipe or at least one second main opening which can be operatively and fluidly directly connected with the central air unit. The plurality of walls (11) includes at least one first secondary opening (14) which can be operatively and fluidly connected with the space of interest by means of at least one second connection pipe. The kit further includes at least one first connection element (30) having a first portion (31) which can be coupled with the second connection pipe and a second portion (32) configured to be directly removably couplable with the at least one first secondary opening (14). Furthermore, at least one layer (11') of the plurality of walls (11) of at least one section of the latter and the at least one first connection element (30) are at least partially made of polymeric material.