Ventilation Junction Box Assembly Using Claw-Lock Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation regulating boxes face challenges with protruding parts and seams that occupy space, hinder installation, and require complex assembly processes, while also lacking a modern exterior appearance and efficient manufacturing techniques.
Innovation Solution
The design features end claws on the inner part that lock into holes in the edge folds of the outer part, eliminating the need for seams, welding, or POP rivets, allowing for a compact, tool-free assembly of U-shaped parts without protrusions, using prefabricated sleeves for duct and diffuser connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sheet metal joining methods (crimped connections, welding, POP rivets) are used, then the regulating box structure is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inner part is nested within the outer part, with the inner part being inserted into the outer part's cavity. The end claws of the inner part engage with holes in the edge folds of the outer part, creating a secure nested connection without requiring external fasteners or complex joining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating box structure is designed to self-assemble through the interaction of its own components. The end claws automatically engage with the holes in the edge folds when the inner part is inserted into the outer part, eliminating the need for external tools, welding equipment, or additional fastening operations.
2Reliability
If traditional joining methods with seams and protruding parts are used, then the structure is secure, but the exterior appearance deteriorates and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner part is completely nested within the outer part, with all connection points located inside the regulating box structure. The end claws engage with holes in the edge folds from the interior, eliminating external seams, welding traces, and protruding parts that would mar the exterior appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is extracted from the exterior and relocated to the interior of the regulating box. The end claws and holes are positioned inside the structure, removing visible seams and joints from the exterior surface while maintaining structural security through the internal engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If complex assembly processes with multiple steps are used, then the structure achieves high reliability, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating box structure assembles itself through the automatic engagement of end claws with holes in the edge folds. When the inner part is inserted into the outer part, the end claws automatically lock into place without requiring manual intervention, tools, or multiple assembly steps, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The end claws are pre-formed on the inner part and the holes are pre-created in the edge folds of the outer part during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly where the components simply need to be positioned and engaged, eliminating the need for on-site fabrication, welding, or fastening operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
AI summary
A ventilation regulating box for regulating the air flow between a ventilation duct and a terminal device, such as a ceiling diffuser, which regulating box comprises at least one sleeve (3) of the air inlet aperture and at least one sleeve (4) of the air outlet aperture, and the body of which regulating box is essentially a rectangular prism in shape, the body of which regulating box is formed from at least two connected parts (1, 2) that are formed from at least an outer part (1) and an inner part (2). The invention is implemented in such a way that the free edges (5, 6, 9) of the outer part (1) and inner part (2) are bent essentially 90° inwards, and in that the locking of the parts (1, 2) to each other is implemented by means of claws (7) near the edges of the parts (1, 2).