Patterned Frame Rail for Sealed Modular HVAC Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modular HVAC systems face challenges in constructing discrete units that efficiently seal against one another and connect external panels while maintaining airflow pathways, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A patterned frame rail system with inner and outer frame rails, featuring offset mating surfaces and mounting flanges, allows for contiguous sealing and connection of modular units and operational apparatus, using apertures and fasteners for alignment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional discrete elements are used to construct modular HVAC units, then the units can be assembled in various configurations, but the mating surfaces fail to seal properly and airflow pathways are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame rail is segmented into distinct functional portions: inner frame rail portions that create mating surfaces for sealing, outer frame rail portions that provide structural support, mounting flanges for attaching operational apparatus, and offset portions that position components correctly. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame rail have different local qualities and functions. The inner frame rail portions have smooth mating surfaces optimized for sealing, the outer portions provide structural rigidity, the mounting flanges have apertures for mechanical attachment, and the offset portions provide positional alignment. This local differentiation resolves the sealing problem without requiring overall complexity throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular units are constructed with simple frame configurations, then assembly is easier, but external panels cannot be properly connected and sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The frame rail design serves multiple functions simultaneously: the inner portions create sealed mating surfaces for modular unit connection, the outer portions provide structural support, the mounting flanges enable attachment of operational apparatus, and the offset portions ensure proper alignment. This multi-functionality allows a single component design to handle both sealing and panel connection requirements without requiring separate specialized components.
3Volume of moving object
If modular units are designed for compact spaces, then space efficiency improves, but proper sealing and airflow pathway maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The offset portions of the frame rail perform preliminary alignment action before the modular units are fully assembled. By pre-positioning the inner and outer frame rail portions at correct offsets, the design ensures that when units are brought together, the mating surfaces automatically align properly for sealing. This preliminary positioning action reduces the precision requirements during final assembly, making compact space design feasible.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a patterned frame rail which includes an inner frame rail and a pair of outer frame rails. The inner frame rail includes a pair of mating surfaces disposed normally. Each of the mating surfaces includes oppositely disposed first and second end portions. One of the end portions is offset from the respective first and second end portions.