Multi-unit support duct system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-unit cooling systems for buildings are costly and inefficient due to the need for multiple cooling units, complex ductwork, and increased maintenance requirements, often lacking sufficient roof or surface area for installation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit cooling system with a support duct frame that includes movable mounting bracket supports and removably couplable mounting brackets, allowing for the independent rotation and positioning of cooling units along the frame, and incorporating a dual-compartment air duct with recirculated and makeup air cooling units for efficient airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple cooling units are installed to adequately cool a building, then cooling capacity is improved, but equipment cost and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling units are merged into a single integrated support duct system with a common frame, shared ductwork, and centralized mounting structure. This allows multiple cooling units to operate together to provide adequate cooling capacity while reducing installation complexity by consolidating support structures and simplifying the overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support duct frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for multiple cooling units, acts as the mounting structure for ductwork, and facilitates standardized installation of various cooling units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support structures and simplifies installation procedures.
2Power
If multiple cooling units are installed to provide adequate cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but maintenance and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized mounting brackets and common support structure enable universal maintenance procedures for multiple cooling units. Technicians can access and service different cooling units through the same maintenance pathways and using the same bracket mechanisms, reducing maintenance complexity and cost while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cooling units are installed at different locations on the building, then installation flexibility is improved, but ductwork complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling units installed at different locations are merged into a coordinated system with a common support duct frame and integrated ductwork design. This allows installation flexibility across different building locations while managing ductwork complexity through standardized connections and a unified structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed to be movable and adjustable along the support duct frame, allowing cooling units to be positioned at various locations. This dynamic positioning capability provides installation flexibility while the standardized bracket design maintains ductwork simplicity through consistent mounting interfaces.
4Power
If the roof surface area is insufficient for multiple cooling units, then installation space is constrained, but cooling capacity requirements remain
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal placement of multiple separate cooling units on the roof surface to a vertical or space-efficient configuration using a shared support duct frame. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple cooling units to be accommodated in a smaller roof footprint by utilizing vertical stacking or compact arrangement within the integrated frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling units are nested or closely integrated within a single support duct frame structure, similar to nested dolls. This compact arrangement allows multiple units to occupy minimal roof surface area while maintaining their individual cooling functions and achieving the required total cooling capacity.
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
The system reduces installation and maintenance costs, optimizes cooling efficiency, and conserves space by allowing flexible positioning of cooling units and efficient airflow management through the dual-compartment air duct.
Implementation Method 1
Water flowing within the evaporative media is evaporated by the intake air, which reduces the temperature of air flowing through the evaporative media
Implementation Method 2
Cooling systems such as swamp or evaporative cooler systems provide cool air to a building or structure by the evaporation of water in evaporative media within a cooling unit
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-unit cooling systems and structures thereof for residential, commercial, or other buildings. In one embodiment, a support duct system comprises a support duct frame including a longitudinal axis and at least one mounting bracket support, each of the at least one mounting bracket support being movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the support duct frame; and at least one mounting bracket coupled to a corresponding one of the at least one mounting bracket support, each of the at least one mounting bracket being removably couplable to a corresponding cooling unit. Each of the cooling units is independently rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the support duct frame.