Volume damper insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volume dampers in HVAC systems suffer from imprecise air flow balancing, loosening due to vibration, and difficulty in rebalancing, especially in environments with obstructed access, leading to noise and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A volume damper insert with a tension-based locking mechanism that allows precise adjustment of the damper blade within the air supply boot or pipe, featuring a mounting bracket and locking mechanism to secure the position without loosening, enabling adjustments within ±1 CFM of the target value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional volume damper with a wing nut is used to secure the damper blade, then the damper can be installed in the air supply pipe, but the wing nut loosens due to vibration and air flow stresses, causing the damper to rattle noisily and fail to provide accurate air flow balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic wing nut component from the securing mechanism and replaces it with a set screw that threads directly into the damper blade. This extraction of the unreliable wing nut eliminates the loosening and rattling issues while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the air supply pipe and the damper blade. This bracket provides a stable mounting structure with a slot that accommodates the set screw, acting as a mediator that transfers and stabilizes the connection forces.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional volume damper with a wing nut is used, then the damper can be installed, but rebalancing the HVAC system is difficult due to obstructed access to the wing nut, especially in residential environments where HVAC components are behind drywall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional securing approach by using a set screw that can be accessed from the interior side of the damper blade, opposite to the conventional wing nut accessed from the exterior. This inversion allows technicians to adjust and rebalance dampers from the air flow side without needing to access the exterior mounting location, significantly improving accessibility when components are concealed behind drywall.
3Measurement precision
If a conventional volume damper is used for air flow balancing, then the damper can be installed, but the adjustment precision is limited and cannot achieve air flow measurements within ±1 CFM of the targeted value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the set screw can be freely positioned along the slot in the mounting bracket, allowing continuous and fine-grained adjustment of the damper blade position. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise control of air flow volume, achieving adjustment precision within ±1 CFM of the targeted value.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a versatile and enhanced performance volume damper apparatus for the HVAC industry. In particular, the present invention provides ease of installation in the air supply boot or pipe or duct of a new HVAC system or for retrofit applications where an existing volume damper has failed or is ineffective. The present invention is not restricted by the geometry of the HVAC structures at the site of the installation. Once installed, the operation of the present invention offers an ease of adjustment for balancing an HVAC system and a locking mechanism for the reliable maintenance of the desired air flow. Further, the present invention allows the adjustment and re-adjustment of air flow in the HVAC system as required for the comfortable operation of the system and provides a level of precision in setting the volume of air flow which is unattainable by standard means.