A terminal device to be connected to a venthole and a method for connecting a terminal device to a venthole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal devices for ventilation systems face challenges in reliable attachment, especially in ceilings, due to smooth inner surfaces of channel collars and difficulty in screwing into concrete or plasterboard walls, leading to unreliable fastening and potential disruption of air flow.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with gripping members featuring locking tabs that adjust in distance to securely attach to the venthole wall, utilizing flexible material layers and magnetic attachments to enhance friction and stability, allowing for reliable attachment to various surface shapes without reducing the venthole's effective size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal device uses a short pipe with threads to attach to a channel collar, then reliable fastening is achieved when the channel collar has matching threads, but the solution cannot be applied when the channel collar has a smooth inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed to be movable relative to the frame part, allowing them to transition between a first position (for insertion) and a second position (for locking). This dynamic mechanism enables the terminal device to adapt to different channel collar types, providing reliable fastening through friction when the collar is smooth, while maintaining compatibility with threaded collars as well
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the locking tabs is changed between two states: in the first position, the tabs are closer together to facilitate insertion through the venthole; in the second position, the tabs are farther apart to engage with the channel collar wall and provide secure locking. This parameter change allows the same mechanism to work with both smooth and threaded channel collars
2Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal device uses a ring seal pressed against the channel collar to achieve fastening, then the solution can be applied to smooth surfaces, but the fastening based solely on friction of a compressed seal is unreliable especially in ceiling installations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs transition from a movable first position to a fixed second position, where they engage with the channel collar wall. This dynamic locking mechanism provides reliable fastening that overcomes the insufficiency of friction-only sealing, especially in ceiling installations where gravity acts against the sealing force
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines the ring seal (for initial positioning and sealing) with the movable locking tabs (for secure mechanical engagement). The locking tabs work in conjunction with the seal, providing both sealing and reliable mechanical fastening, thus merging two attachment mechanisms into a single comprehensive solution
3Ease of manufacture
If sharp-tipped protrusions are used to push against the inner surface of the channel collar or ventilation pipe, then attachment is possible, but the gripping ability is uncertain and the protrusions reduce the effective size of the venthole and disturb air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed to be movable and engage with the channel collar wall in a controlled manner, rather than relying on static sharp-tipped protrusions. This dynamic engagement provides more reliable gripping ability while maintaining simplicity of the attachment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protrusions that extend radially into the venthole (reducing effective size), the locking tabs engage with the channel collar wall from the outside or at the periphery. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to function without obstructing the central air flow path through the venthole
4Reliability
If screw attachment is used to attach the terminal device to the wall or ceiling surrounding the venthole opening, then secure fastening is achieved, but the process is difficult when the wall or ceiling is made of concrete or plasterboard without a sturdy base
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from the wall/ceiling mounting approach and relocated to engage with the channel collar itself. The locking tabs engage with the channel collar wall, eliminating the need to penetrate or anchor into the surrounding wall or ceiling structure, thus simplifying installation in concrete or plasterboard
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab mechanism provides a universal attachment solution that works with the channel collar regardless of the surrounding wall or ceiling material. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanism to provide secure fastening in various building structures without requiring material-specific anchoring solutions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easy and reliable attachment of terminal devices to different venthole configurations, ensuring stability without obstructing air flow, even in challenging wall materials like concrete or plasterboard, and accommodating various venthole shapes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing flexible material layers to enhance friction and stability
Implementation Method 2
utilizing flexible material layers and magnetic attachments to enhance friction and stability
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~4b
AI summary
A terminal device to be connected to a venthole (14) has a frame part (10) and gripping members that can be extended inside the venthole for attaching to the venthole wall. The venthole wall can be a ventilation duct wall or the wall of a channel collar delimiting an opening. The gripping members comprise a first locking tab (22) and a second locking tab (22), which locking tabs have an attaching surface (34) to be set against the inner surface of the venthole. The locking tabs can be set in a first formation, where they are at a first distance from each other, and in a second formation, where they are at a second distance from each other. The second distance is larger than the first distance. When the locking tabs are in the first formation, they can be fitted at the same time into the venthole. When the locking tabs are inside the venthole, they can be set into the second formation, whereby their attaching surfaces settle against the inner surface of the venthole, attaching the terminal device to the venthole. There can also be more than two gripping members.