Modular Wall Interface for Exterior HVAC Swap and Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comfort devices, such as HVAC systems and humidifiers, require interior access for installation and maintenance, which is inconvenient and often requires dismantling of substantial building components, necessitating a solution for external installation and servicing.
Innovation Solution
A modular interface template that allows for plug-and-play installation of comfort devices on building walls, featuring air and water conduits, electric power conductors, and communication conduits, enabling external access and easy swapping of devices without interior access, with leak-proof and automatic shutoff mechanisms for rapid connection and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If comfort devices are installed inside buildings, then they can be connected to building infrastructure, but access for installation and maintenance requires interior access which is inconvenient and may require dismantling building components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the comfort device from the traditional interior installation location to the exterior wall surface, utilizing the vertical dimension of the building envelope. The interface template is mounted on the exterior wall, allowing the comfort device to be installed outside the building while maintaining connection to interior infrastructure through the wall penetration, thus eliminating the need for interior access during installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If substantial building components are used for infrastructure, then structural integrity is maintained, but removal or replacement of comfort devices requires dismantlement of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct modular segments: the substantial building infrastructure (walls, conduits), the interface template (a removable mounting component), and the comfort device. The interface template acts as an intermediary segment that can be easily removed and reinstalled, allowing comfort device replacement without affecting the structural integrity of the building components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface template serves as an intermediary component between the building infrastructure and the comfort device. It provides the connection points for utilities while being designed for easy removal and reinstallation, thus mediating between the need for structural integrity and the need for easy device replacement.
3Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used, then reliable connections are achieved, but installation and maintenance require skilled personnel and significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The interface template is pre-configured with all necessary connection points, seals, and mounting mechanisms before installation on the building wall. Utility conduits and electrical wiring are pre-routed through the template, so that when the comfort device is installed, connections are made quickly through simple plug-and-play interfaces rather than requiring complex on-site wiring and sealing work.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular interface template configured to receive a plug and play comfort device, the modular interface template including a wall having a first surface and a second surface, an air inlet channel configured to enable air flow from the first surface to the second surface, an air outlet channel configured to enable air flow from the second surface to the first surface, a gas conduit configured to supply fuel from the first surface to the second surface, a water inlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the first surface to the second surface, a water outlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the second surface to the first surface and a first electric power conductor configured to enable electric power transmission from the first surface to the second surface.