Interface for a plenum fan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control systems, such as HVAC units, require complex and time-consuming assembly and maintenance processes due to the need for manual access to secure plenum fans to ductwork, increasing costs and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An improved interface between the fan and ductwork that includes a first bracket coupled to the fan, a second bracket coupled to the ductwork frame, and a sealing member, such as a gasket or bellow, which forms a seal without mechanical securement, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical securement (bolts, screws, rivets) is used to connect the fan to the duct interface, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical securement system (bolts, screws, rivets requiring manual access and tools) with a friction-based mechanical interference fit system. The fan housing includes an outwardly extending flange that interfaces with an inwardly extending flange on the ductwork, creating a secure connection through friction and normal forces without requiring threaded fasteners or clips. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically simplifying assembly and maintenance procedures.
2Reliability
If manual access to fasteners is required for securing the fan, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for manual fastener installation by replacing the traditional bolt/screw/rivet system with a friction-based mechanical interference fit. The overlapping flanges create normal forces that generate sufficient friction to secure the fan to the duct interface, allowing for rapid assembly and maintenance without requiring personnel to enter ductwork or use specialized tools, thereby dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable connections.
3Reliability
If a sealing member is used to form an airtight seal, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing member as an intermediary component positioned between the fan housing flange and the ductwork flange. This sealing member fills gaps and irregularities at the interface, ensuring an airtight seal that prevents air leakage. The sealing member is integrated into the existing mechanical interference fit design, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving sealing performance and overall system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an interface for a fan that includes a first bracket coupled to the fan, where the fan is configured to direct a flow of air through an opening of a duct, and the opening comprises a central axis extending therethrough, a second bracket coupled to a frame surrounding the opening of the duct, where the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to surround the opening of the duct, the second bracket is configured to support the first bracket, and the second bracket is partially radially within the first bracket relative to the central axis of the opening, and a gasket disposed between the first bracket and the second bracket, where the first bracket, the second bracket, and the gasket are configured to sealingly engage with one another without mechanical securement.