Modular Telescoping Wall Feedthrough for Variable Wall Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall duct systems for domestic appliances like heat pumps and ventilation units face challenges in flexible installation across varying wall structures and thicknesses, often requiring mechanical processing and incorrect orientation during installation, especially when the final wall thickness is unknown due to incomplete plastering or thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular wall duct design comprising multiple parts, including a first and second fluid guide body that telescope into each other, allowing for flexible adaptation to different wall thicknesses, with a third temporary assembly aid for installation during incomplete wall conditions, and a sealing mechanism to prevent moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid wall duct system with standard length is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different wall thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadaptability to different wall thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wall duct is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected together. Each section has a standardized length, but by combining different numbers of sections, the total length can be adapted to various wall thicknesses while maintaining the structural integrity of each individual segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall duct system incorporates telescopic or adjustable mechanisms that allow the duct length to be dynamically modified during installation. This enables the same duct system to adapt to different wall thicknesses without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If the wall duct is installed during the construction phase, then the installation time is reduced, but the precision of positioning is worsened due to unknown final wall thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wall duct is pre-assembled with adjustable length mechanisms or modular sections during the construction phase, allowing installation to proceed without waiting for the final wall thickness to be determined. The precise positioning is then finalized later when the exact wall dimensions are known, without requiring removal or major modification of the installed duct.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical processing of the wall penetration is performed on site, then the adaptability to different wall structures is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wall structuresVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall duct system incorporates adjustable parameters such as modular length variations and telescopic mechanisms that allow adaptation to different wall structures and thicknesses without requiring mechanical processing on site. The complexity is reduced by providing standardized connection interfaces and simple assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If a single-piece wall duct is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of installation is worsened due to the need for mechanical processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wall duct is segmented into multiple standardized sections that connect through simple interfaces. This maintains relative device simplicity while dramatically improving ease of installation, as the modular sections can be assembled without mechanical processing and adapted to different wall configurations through simple connection and disconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3376129B1Wall feedthrough for connection to a domestic appliance and method for fitting a wall feedthrough
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 STIEBEL ELTRON GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3376129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376129B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376129B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall duct (1) for guiding air, which can be inserted into an opening (2) in a building wall (3). The wall duct (1) consists of at least two parts, a first fluid guide body (10) with an inner opening (11) for connecting a fluid line (6) of a building services appliance and a second fluid guide body (20) with an outer opening (21) that provides a connection to the has outside air. The first fluid guide body (10) and the second fluid guide body (20) are designed to overlap at least partially when installed, and the first fluid guide body (10) has a flow cross section (A1-A4) that increases from the inner opening (11) to the outer opening (21). .