Splined Collar Duct Fitting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct fittings for multilayered ducts require precise orientation and attachment, often necessitating expensive tooling and leading to scrapping or rework if not properly aligned, which complicates the assembly process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A duct fitting comprising a collar with annular portions and splines, along with a clamp for attachment to a support structure, simplifies the assembly by allowing flexible orientation and reduces the need for precise alignment, using a collar with a first annular portion for the inner layer and a second annular portion with splines to support the outer layer, while the clamp secures both layers to a support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If duct fittings require precise orientation and attachment to support surfaces, then the duct fitting can be properly sealed and function correctly, but the assembly process becomes complicated and requires expensive tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The duct fitting is divided into separate components: a collar with splines that engages with the duct, and a separate clamp assembly with attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled independently without requiring precise overall alignment, as the splined collar provides self-alignment features while the clamp can be attached to support surfaces separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined collar acts as an intermediary component between the duct and the clamp assembly. It provides a mechanical interface that transfers loads and provides alignment features, eliminating the need for direct precise alignment between the clamp and duct. The splines engage with corresponding features on the duct, providing self-alignment without requiring expensive positioning tooling.
2Manufacturing precision
If duct fittings require precise orientation with respect to fluid passageways and attachment mechanisms, then the fitting can be properly installed, but bulky and expensive tooling is required for precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system is segmented into a collar portion that interfaces with the duct and a clamp portion that attaches to support surfaces. The splined collar provides self-alignment features that eliminate the need for expensive positioning tooling during assembly. Standard hand tools can be used to install the clamp and collar separately without requiring specialized bulky equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined collar design provides self-alignment and self-positioning features. When the collar is engaged with the duct, the splines automatically align the components without requiring external positioning tools or expensive fixtures. The design serves its own alignment function, eliminating the need for costly external tooling.
3Strength
If the duct fitting includes support mechanisms attached to support surfaces, then the duct can be properly supported, but the fitting requires specific orientation that complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is separated from the sealing function. The clamp assembly with attachment mechanisms provides support to support surfaces, while the splined collar provides the sealing interface with the duct. These can be assembled in different orientations independently, then connected together without requiring precise relative orientation, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar component serves multiple functions: it provides sealing against the duct, provides mechanical engagement through splines for load transfer, and provides alignment features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms or complex orientation requirements, allowing the support and sealing functions to be integrated without complicating assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Duct fittings can be formed or assembled from two or more components including a collar and a clamp. The clamp and the collar can be assembled and/or mated together to form the duct fittings. The collar can have a first annular portion to which a first layer of a multilayered duct is attached or connected. The collar also can include a second annular portion that can include splines to which a second layer of the multilayered duct is attached. The splines can accommodate or form fluid passageways. The clamp can be located on top of the second layer and can include attachment mechanisms securing the clamp to a support surface.