Rotatable Valve Assembly for Air Duct Installation and Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air duct valve assemblies are difficult to install, clean, and replace due to rigid connections, which can lead to damage from excessive force manipulation and lack of independent adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A valve assembly with rotatable adjustment means and fastening means that allow for non-permanent attachment to the air duct, providing adjustable rotational resistance to prevent unwanted displacement and enable easy removal or replacement, featuring a controllable valve with flow control and locking mechanisms to secure the position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the valve is rigidly connected to the air duct, then the installation structure is simpler, but the cleaning, repair or replacement of the valve becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidvalve replacement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is divided into separate components: the valve body and the air duct connection are segmented through a removable fastening mechanism. This allows the valve to be detached from the air duct for cleaning, repair, or replacement while maintaining a simple installation structure through the modular design of the fastening means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the valve is rigidly connected to the air duct, then the structural stability is improved, but the manipulation of the device may cause undesirable dislocation or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddamage from manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means provides a dynamic connection that allows controlled movement and adjustment. The rotational resistance can be adjusted to prevent unwanted dislocation during normal operation, while still permitting intentional removal when needed, thus protecting against damage from excessive manipulation forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the rotational resistance of fastening means is high, then the valve position is secured against unwanted displacement, but the adjustment of the valve becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve position stabilityVSAvoidvalve adjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational resistance of the fastening means is made adjustable through parameter changes. The resistance can be set to different levels depending on the operational requirements, allowing the valve to be securely positioned during normal operation while still permitting adjustment when needed by applying sufficient force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of repair

If the valve assembly is made removable, then the cleaning and replacement becomes easier, but the connection to the air duct may become less secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve replacement easeVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means is designed with preliminary securing action that ensures the valve assembly is firmly attached to the air duct before removal is attempted. The connection provides sufficient security during operation while allowing intentional removal when needed, balancing both connection strength and ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4090894B1Valve assembly for an air duct
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 PRADO EURO BV
  • EP4090894B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4090894B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4090894B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a valve assembly for use in an air duct for ventilating a building. The assembly includes an adjustable valve having flow control means for controlling the flow of air through the valve and rotatable adjustment means for adjusting the position of flow control means of the valve. The assembly further includes fastening means for rotatably attaching an outer surface of the adjustable valve to the air duct. The present invention further relates to a mechanical ventilation system for forced or unforced ventilation of a home, office building and the like, comprising at least one air duct and a ventilation device connected to said air duct in which such a valve assembly is provided.