Two-Part Bracket Suspension for Inflatable Air Ducts at Low Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for inflatable air ducts in greenhouses require high air pressure to maintain duct integrity, leading to dry greenhouse conditions and are complex, costly, and inefficient to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A two-part support bracket system with bent ends that prevent rotation and sagging of the air duct, featuring multiple holding points and suspension bends for easy installation and adaptation to various suspension structures, ensuring the air duct remains open at lower pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If prior art suspension systems with support brackets are used to maintain duct open position, then the duct remains open over entire length, but high air pressure is required causing dry greenhouse conditions and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is divided into two separate bracket components that can be independently inserted through openings in the duct. Each component has bends forming holding points that independently prevent rotation, distributing the support function across multiple discrete elements rather than requiring a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system extracts the support function from the air pressure system. The bracket components provide mechanical support through their bent holding points that prevent duct sagging and rotation independently of air pressure, allowing the power station to operate at lower power levels
2Reliability
If prior art suspension systems are used, then the duct can be suspended, but complex installation procedures with grommets and reinforced openings are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into two insertable components that pass through standard openings in the duct without requiring pre-installed grommets or reinforcement. The bends in each component form self-containing holding points that secure the bracket in position through simple insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The bent holding points in the bracket components serve as self-containing features that automatically secure the bracket in position once inserted. The geometry of the bends creates natural stopping points and rotation prevention without requiring additional fastening elements or complex installation procedures
3Stability of the object's composition
If external rib cage suspension systems are used to keep duct open at low pressure, then the duct remains open, but significant space in height is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an external rib cage structure that protrudes outward from the duct, the support function is inverted by inserting compact bracket components through openings in the duct wall. The bends in these components provide holding points that prevent rotation and maintain duct position from the inside, eliminating the need for extensive external space
4Stability of the object's composition
If internal framework with longitudinal shaft and ribs is used to support duct, then duct stability is improved, but air flow is hindered and framework is too complicated for long ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous internal framework is segmented into discrete, simple bracket components that are inserted at intervals along the duct. Each bracket has only the essential bends needed to provide holding points and prevent rotation, eliminating the complexity of longitudinal shafts and multiple ribs while maintaining stability at key locations
Solution Approach 2:
The complex internal framework structure is extracted and replaced with simple bracket components inserted through openings. These brackets provide the essential support function without the unnecessary complexity of longitudinal shafts, multiple ribs, and interconnected structures, allowing easy installation in long ducts
Data Source
AI summary
Suspension system for supporting an inflatable air duct includes at least one support bracket arranged to support the inflatable air duct, the at least one support bracket being suspendable, wherein the at least one support bracket includes a first bracket component arranged to support a first side of the inflatable air duct; and a second bracket component arranged to support a second opposite side of the inflatable air duct. A first end of each of the first and second bracket components has a plurality of bends so as to provide at least one holding point to prevent the first and second bracket components from rotating in opposite direction towards each other around an axis in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the inflatable air duct.