Multi-Channel Adapter for Compact Ventilation Duct Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapters for connecting air ducts to ventilation devices require complex and time-consuming assembly processes, often necessitating significant installation space and multiple steps due to the need for individual adapters and air lines to maintain distance for assembly, which can be impractical in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact, one-piece adapter with multiple fluidically separated channels, allowing preassembly of air lines and simplified installation by eliminating the need for assembly clearances between individual ducts, featuring adaptable channel orientations and connections that can accommodate various geometries and sizes, made from high thermal resistance plastics like polypropylene for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual adapters are used to connect air ducts to a ventilation device, then each adapter can be connected to air ducts of different sizes and cross-sections, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming, and significant installation space is required to maintain distance between individual adapters and air lines for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual adapters into a single integrated adapter body with multiple channels. The adapter body (1) contains multiple fluidically separated channels (6, 7, 8, 9) that can simultaneously connect different air ducts to the ventilation device, eliminating the need for multiple separate adapters and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability to various duct configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of air duct connections simultaneously. Each channel can be configured for different duct sizes and geometries, allowing a single adapter to perform the function of multiple specialized adapters, thereby reducing both assembly complexity and installation space requirements
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual adapters are used to connect air ducts to a ventilation device, then each adapter can be independently connected, but the installation space requirements increase due to the need for assembly clearances between individual ducts
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple adapter functions into a single integrated body, the patent eliminates the need for assembly clearances between individual adapters. The compact design allows air lines to be pre-assembled on the adapter body and then installed as a single unit, significantly reducing the installation space required while maintaining ease of operation through simplified assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design enables pre-assembly of air lines on the adapter body before final installation. The channels and connections are pre-configured in the adapter body, allowing air lines to be attached in advance and the entire assembly to be installed in one operation, reducing both installation space requirements and on-site assembly complexity
3Area of stationary object
If a compact adapter design is used to reduce installation space, then the adapter can be installed in limited spaces, but the assembly process may become more difficult due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is segmented into multiple independent channels that are fluidically separated. This segmentation allows each channel to be independently configured and connected to different air ducts, enabling flexible assembly in compact spaces while maintaining ease of operation through modular connection points and standardized interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The adapter (1) has multiple fluidic channels (6,7), which are separated from each other. Each channel has two connections (3,4), where each former connection is formed for connection to a ventilation device or an air distribution device and each latter connection is formed for arrangement of an air line. The adapter is made of plastic with high thermal resistivity such as polypropylene.