Split Gasket Seal Grommet for Raised Floor Air Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems in raised flooring structures face challenges in efficiently managing cables and HVAC airflow, particularly in retrofitting and upgrading systems while minimizing air leakage and debris contamination, and accommodating workstation relocation.
Innovation Solution
A split gasket seal grommet with a quick spring clamp design and flame-retardant materials is used, providing a high load performance and anti-static properties, which includes optional cable knockouts and a retained center cover for improved air sealing and aesthetic appeal, facilitating easy installation and flexible placement options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional floor grommets are used in raised flooring systems, then cable passage is accommodated, but HVAC air leakage and debris passage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane with cutouts that conforms to the floor opening and cables. The membrane acts as a flexible shell that seals around cables while blocking HVAC air and debris, resolving the contradiction between cable accessibility and environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane features localized cutouts positioned precisely where cables need to pass through, while the surrounding membrane material maintains its sealing function. This local differentiation allows cable passage in specific areas while maintaining protection in other areas.
2Reliability
If minimal deflection of flexible elements is used to limit HVAC escape, then air sealing is improved, but cable management flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides sufficient deflection to accommodate cable installation and management operations while maintaining adequate sealing performance. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to cables without requiring excessive tension that would compromise sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting operations are performed on existing raised flooring systems, then cable management upgrades are achieved, but underfloor plenum air delivery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane retrofit solution can be installed in existing raised flooring systems without major structural modifications. It seals around cables in a manner that prevents HVAC air leakage while allowing cable installation and reconfiguration, thus upgrading cable management without compromising air delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane provides localized sealing at cable penetration points while leaving the rest of the floor structure intact for normal HVAC operation. This targeted approach allows cable management improvements without affecting overall plenum air delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and improved method is provided for repairing or retrofitting cable management apparatus used in raised flooring systems constructed to deliver a source of building air, or HVAC, while managing cables passing through an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure without jeopardizing the underfloor plenum air delivery systems. A raised floor grommet assembly provides a grommet locking mechanism defining an assembly retention system that lockingly engages and removeably disengages a first section and a second section of the grommet assembly, and an access port locking mechanism that lockingly engages and removeably disengages an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure. The unique grommet assembly provides an efficient and effective method and apparatus designed for retrofitting cable management systems and accommodates system upgrades, workstation relocation, and HVAC management.