Rigid Termination Collar With Tear-Away Clearance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing termination collar systems for round diffusers and grilles in HVAC duct systems are prone to damage during installation, especially when dealing with finished ceilings or walls, as they can become deformed, making it difficult to install diffusers correctly. Current solutions, such as plastic and metal sleeves, often lack flexibility and are not suitable for various structural materials like steel studs or multiple layers of drywall.
Innovation Solution
A termination collar with radial vertical attachment arms, a horizontal projection, and tear-away markers, designed to be cast from a single mold, allowing for easy installation on various joists and accommodating different clearance applications, while maintaining a rigid structure to prevent deformation and damage. The collar includes features like alignment indicators and duct stop points to facilitate proper diffuser installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing termination collar systems are used for installation in finished ceilings or walls, then installation can proceed with standard components, but the collars become deformed during installation making it difficult to install diffusers correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The termination collar is divided into multiple functional segments: a collar body for structural support, vertical attachment arms for securing to joists, and a horizontal projection for positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with others, preventing deformation during installation while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical attachment arms are pre-configured with attachment surfaces and positioning features that guide correct installation orientation before the collar is secured to the joist. The horizontal projection is pre-positioned to extend through the finished surface at the correct location, ensuring proper alignment is established before final installation, thereby preventing deformation during the installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plastic and metal sleeves are used as termination collars, then installation can be performed with simple components, but they lack flexibility for various structural materials like steel studs or multiple layers of drywall
Solution Approach 1:
The termination collar is designed with universal attachment capabilities that work with multiple structural materials including wood joists, steel studs, and multiple layers of drywall. The vertical attachment arms feature attachment surfaces that can be secured to different materials using appropriate fasteners, while the horizontal projection provides a universal interface for diffuser installation regardless of the underlying structure type.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the collar have specialized properties: the vertical attachment arms are designed with attachment surfaces optimized for securing to structural materials, the horizontal projection is configured for positioning through finished surfaces, and the collar body provides structural support. Each local region is optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with various installation scenarios.
3Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to prevent deformation, then collar integrity is maintained, but installation flexibility for different clearance applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The termination collar incorporates tear-away markers that indicate portions of the horizontal projection can be selectively removed to accommodate different clearance requirements. This dynamic modification capability allows the rigid collar structure to adapt to various installation scenarios including low clearance applications, while the remaining structure maintains its integrity and rigidity to prevent deformation during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus disclosed herein serves as a termination point for a connection of metal pipe, plastic pipe, flexible pipe, or duct elbows to a diffuser through a wall, ceiling, or similar surface structure. The projection portion of the apparatus into which the diffuser is installed is substantially rigid, and thus generally prohibits deformation and damage as the apparatus and surrounding surface/structure is installed. For modification, break points and tear-away markers may be provided to aid in removal of portions for specific applications such as low internal clearance.