Nested Sealing Groove Flange Profiles for Air Duct Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air duct connection systems are complex and difficult to assemble, with incomplete sealing being a common issue when connecting two air duct elements.
Innovation Solution
An air duct connection system featuring flange profiles with a setback and fold-back nose, combined with a sealing profile that can be easily plugged onto the flange profiles and corner areas, using an adhesive sealant in the insertion pocket for a secure and self-retaining seal, eliminating the need for additional fastening methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing strip is glued to the outer surface of the second chamber to create a seal, then sealing between air duct elements is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing profile is inserted into a groove formed by the rebate lug and first profile leg, creating a nested structure where the sealing element is housed within the flange profile itself. This eliminates the need for separate gluing operations and external sealing strips, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange profile structure itself provides the groove and retention features needed to hold the sealing profile in place through its own geometric features (rebate lug and first profile leg arrangement). The system uses its own structure to perform the sealing function, eliminating the need for additional fastening methods or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If additional fastening methods are used to secure the sealing profile, then sealing reliability is improved, but the assembly process requires peeling off protective coatings and additional fastening steps
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric arrangement of the rebate lug and first profile leg automatically creates a groove that retains the sealing profile through insertion alone. The structure serves its own sealing function without requiring external fastening elements, protective coating removal, or additional assembly steps, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the flange profile structure is simplified for easier assembly, then assembly speed is improved, but sealing completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing profile is nested within the groove formed by the flange profile's own geometric features, creating a self-contained sealing system. This nested structure ensures complete sealing engagement while maintaining the simplicity of the flange profile design, achieving both fast assembly and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged into the flange profile structure itself through the groove formed by the rebate lug and first profile leg. The sealing and connection functions are combined in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and complex assembly procedures.
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
Facilitates quick and reliable assembly of air duct elements with a complete seal, simplifying the installation process and ensuring a tight connection between air duct elements without the need for additional fastening or peeling off protective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
using an adhesive sealant in the insertion pocket for a secure and self-retaining seal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a flange profile for connecting air duct elements (11) for an air duct connection system, comprising a first chamber (21) formed by profile legs (22, 23) which can be slid onto the end of the air duct element (11), and a second chamber (27) formed by further profile legs (28, 29) which is arranged at an angle to the first chamber (21) and which is provided for receiving one leg of a corner angle (14), wherein the first leg (22) of the first chamber (21) and the first profile leg (28) of the second chamber (27) are oriented in an L-shape, and the first profile leg (28) of the second chamber (27) has a rebate lug (31) which is formed substantially parallel to the first profile leg (22) of the first chamber (21) and forms a insertion pocket (32) for the end of the air duct element (11), wherein the first profile leg (22) of the first chamber (21) includes a reverse bend (35),which extends outside the first chamber (21) and adjoins the return bend (35), a insertion chamber (38) is formed, which is provided adjacent to and outside the first chamber (21), and a fold (48) of the return fold nose (31) extends to the transition section (49) between the second profile leg (29) of the second chamber (27) and the second profile leg (23) of the first chamber (21). (See Figure 2)