Pliable Air Duct Support Structure for Sag-Free Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal air ducts in warehouse and manufacturing environments face issues such as condensation leading to mold and bacteria growth, uncomfortable drafts, and unsightly sagging when deflated, along with noise from sudden inflation.
Innovation Solution
A framework with a central longitudinal shaft and radial spokes is used to maintain the pliable duct in a taut, expanded shape, preventing sagging and noise, while also ensuring consistent airflow and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pliable fabric duct is used without internal support, then the duct can be easily installed and adapted to different shapes, but the duct sags when deflated creating poor appearance and interfering with objects below
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pliable fabric duct with an internal framework that combines the flexibility of fabric shells with the structural support of an internal framework. The framework includes a longitudinal shaft and radial spokes that maintain the duct's expanded shape while allowing the fabric to remain flexible for installation and adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal framework is segmented into multiple components including a longitudinal shaft, radial spokes, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the framework to be assembled in sections and provides flexibility for installation while maintaining overall structural integrity and shape stability.
2Productivity
If air pressure is used to inflate the fabric duct, then the duct achieves its operational shape and airflow function, but the duct produces loud popping sounds when re-inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The internal framework is pre-assembled and positioned within the fabric duct before inflation. This preliminary action provides a structural skeleton that guides the inflation process and prevents the fabric from suddenly snapping into place, thereby reducing the loud popping sounds that occur during re-inflation.
3Strength
If metal ducts are used for air conveyance, then the ducts are structurally strong and maintain shape, but condensation forms on the duct surface leading to mold growth and dripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a pliable fabric material with an internal rigid framework. The fabric material has lower thermal conductivity than metal, reducing condensation formation, while the internal framework provides the necessary structural strength to maintain the duct's expanded shape and operational integrity.
4Loss of energy
If the fabric duct is deflated to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the duct sags creating poor appearance and interference with objects below
Solution Approach 1:
The internal framework is pre-installed within the fabric duct, providing continuous structural support. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that even when the duct is deflated for energy saving, the framework maintains the duct's general shape and prevents excessive sagging, preserving appearance and avoiding interference with objects below.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an air duct system (10, 12, 112, 130) and a radial support member (44) for use with an air duct system (10, 12, 112, 130), said air duct system (10, 12, 112, 130) comprising a tubular pliable side wall (20) defining a longitudinal direction along which the air duct system (10, 12, 112, 130) conveys a current of air, a ring (34, 34') disposed within the tubular pliable side wall (20) and lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a hub (46) disposed substantially at a center point of the ring (34, 34'), the hub (46) extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of spokes (42) extending between the ring (34, 34') and the hub (46), the plurality of spokes (42) being attached to the hub (46) at a plurality of points that are distributed lengthwise along the hub (46).