Ducting systems
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ducting systems for air distribution face challenges such as safety hazards, reduced productivity, and increased costs due to the need for scaffolding and difficulties in ensuring uniform thermal insulation, which can lead to gaps and condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A duct section design featuring an elongate frame with flange members and a thermal insulating lining secured by mastic adhesive, ensuring a continuous insulation layer when sections are joined, with an insulating gasket and foil tape for sealing, allowing for factory-controlled installation and reduced installation stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermal insulation is installed after ducting erection, then the ducting system can be assembled first, but safety hazards increase due to scaffolding requirements and worker falls
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation lining is pre-installed on the duct sections during factory manufacturing before the ducts are erected on-site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to install insulation at height, thereby removing the safety hazards associated with scaffolding and working at elevation while still achieving the required thermal insulation performance
2Ease of manufacture
If thermal insulation is installed after ducting erection, then the ducting system can be assembled first, but productivity decreases due to difficult working conditions at height
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation lining is pre-installed on the duct sections during factory manufacturing before the ducts are erected on-site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to install insulation at height, thereby removing the safety hazards associated with scaffolding and working at elevation while still achieving the required thermal insulation performance
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal insulation is installed after ducting erection, then the ducting system can be assembled first, but installation costs increase due to scaffolding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation lining is pre-installed on the duct sections during factory manufacturing before the ducts are erected on-site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to install insulation at height, thereby removing the safety hazards associated with scaffolding and working at elevation while still achieving the required thermal insulation performance
4Ease of manufacture
If thermal insulation is installed after ducting erection, then the ducting system can be assembled first, but quality uniformity deteriorates due to difficulty in monitoring and checking
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation lining is pre-installed on the duct sections during factory manufacturing before the ducts are erected on-site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to install insulation at height, thereby removing the safety hazards associated with scaffolding and working at elevation while still achieving the required thermal insulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a quality control system with feedback mechanisms during factory production, including visual inspection and automated testing, to monitor and ensure the uniformity and quality of thermal insulation installation. This feedback loop allows for immediate correction of any defects, ensuring consistent insulation quality across all duct sections before they leave the factory
5Ease of operation
If thermal insulation installation allows gaps, then installation is simpler, but cold spots and condensation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct sections are designed with self-aligning features including protrusions on one duct that fit into recesses on the adjacent duct, and overlapping insulation linings that automatically ensure continuous coverage. This self-service mechanism eliminates gaps between sections without requiring complex installation procedures or additional sealing materials, thereby preventing cold spots and condensation while maintaining ease of installation
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
This design enhances thermal insulation accuracy, reduces installation risks and costs, and minimizes the risk of gaps and condensation, while enabling safer and more efficient installation processes.
Implementation Method 1
each duct section is lined with a thermal insulating material to provide a thermally insulating lining to the air passage
Implementation Method 2
the lining material is secured to the duct by a mastic adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention discloses a duct section 1, 2 for an air distribution system, the duct sections including an elongate frame 2, 4, 24 having two opposed flange members 5, 6 each having an opening forming an air passage therein. A plurality of the duct sections are able to be joined together through the flanges to form an air passage of desired length. Each duct section 1, 2 is lined with a thermal insulating material 8, 25 to provide a thermally insulating lining to the air passage, the ends 11 of the lining 8 being at least flush with the end faces of the flanges so that when adjacent duct sections are secured together, the thermal insulation lining 8 of adjacent duct sections is arranged to provide a continuous insulating lining of the air passage.