Multifunctional Duct for Building Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ducts for building services are often designed for specific applications, making it complex and costly to install, maintain, and repair components, especially in false ceilings where multiple elements like cables, pipes, and components must be considered, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction duct with a duct base and an upper part that forms a hollow space, allowing for concealed and accessible installation components, enabling flexible installation and maintenance by providing a unified channel for various components, reducing the need for multiple systems and simplifying access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate ducts are used for concealed components and accessible components, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the installation complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines concealed components and accessible components into a single integrated duct system. The duct contains both hidden installation spaces and accessible installation spaces with operating elements, eliminating the need for separate ducts while maintaining functional optimization for both component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is designed as a multifunctional system that simultaneously houses concealed components, accessible components with operating elements, and provides pathways for both. This universal design allows one duct structure to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized ducts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate channel systems are used for different components, then each system can be optimized for its specific application, but the number of components increases leading to higher costs and complexity in production, storage, transport, installation, maintenance and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate channel systems into a single integrated duct that accommodates concealed components, accessible components, and various installation elements. This consolidation reduces the quantity of separate components from multiple ducts to one multifunctional duct system.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is designed as a universal system capable of housing different types of components and providing various installation configurations within a single structure, eliminating the need for multiple application-specific ducts.
3Volume of moving object
If concealed components are installed in false ceilings, then space is saved in the room, but the ceiling must be opened over large areas and access to components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is segmented into concealed sections and accessible sections. The accessible sections with operating elements can be positioned in locations that are easily reachable, while concealed sections housing components are integrated within the duct structure, eliminating the need to open false ceilings for access.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct acts as an intermediary structure that provides access to concealed components through its accessible sections with operating elements, eliminating the need to access components directly through false ceiling openings.
4Reliability
If all components are installed in a cupboard or box, then components are protected and organized, but space is consumed and freedom of movement and furnishing is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The duct employs a streamlined, space-efficient enclosure design that protects components while occupying minimal space. The duct's compact form factor allows it to be integrated into building structures without restricting freedom of movement or furnishing, unlike bulky cupboards or boxes.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Multifunctional duct (1) for building services, comprising a duct base (2) and a cover (3a, 3b). The duct base (2) is designed for the attachment of an installation component (10), which is concealed by the cover (3a, 3b) attached to the duct base (2) when the multifunctional duct (1) is in operation. The cover (3a) includes, at least in a partial area of the multifunctional duct (1), a mounting channel (4), the mounting channel (4) being designed for the attachment of an installation component (10) accessible from outside the multifunctional duct (1). The mounting channel (4) projects from the cover (3a) into the multifunctional duct (1). The duct base (2) and/or the mounting channel (4) may include a device rail (11, 12).The multi-functional channel (1) can also include a mounting rail (5) that is separately formed from the channel base (2) and the top part (3a,3b), which can be attached to the channel base (2) and in particular to the device rail (11,12) on the channel base (2).