GB2525178A - Ventilation ducting system and configurable manifold therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A ventilation ducting manifold comprises a plurality of manifold components 3a, 3b in fluid connection, at least one of the components comprising a first manifold 3a having first 9 and second 11 primary ports at respective ends of the manifold and a flow path 5 therebetween. One of the primary ports is connected to rigid ducting RD and a secondary port 15 arranged lateral to the flow path is connected to flexible ducting SRD. The rigid ducting may be rigid plastics and the flexible ducting may be semi-rigid ducting. The flow path may be linear. The primary ports may be connected to rectangular or circular ducting. The secondary ports of separate manifolds may face laterally in opposite directions. A rigid ducting spacer component 17 may connect manifolds together. The first and second primary ports may respectively comprise a female connector 21 and male connector 23. The secondary port may comprise a spigot 29. The manifolds may be connected together (fig 5b). A second manifold (16, fig 6b) having an axially aligned primary port (18) and secondary port (19) and blanking plate 31 at a distal end of the manifolds may be used.

Description

I -

H vEwTnuoNpkcTING SYSTEM AND CONFIGURALEMANIEPLD

THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a ventUation ducting system and a configurable manifold therefor.

ConventionaUy, ventUation du cting comprises lengths of rigid ducting, typicafly plastic ducting, and components which connect the same. From the perspective of material cost, this construction is of retativeiy-iow cost, and provides an efficient system, in that 1he inner surface of the rigid ducting presents a smooth surface to the ventilation air flow.

However, this rigid ventilation ductIng can be labour intensive when the ducting is to traverse difficult sections, such as laterally across joists, where the ducting has to be cut into short sections and pieced back together to reach a required location.

An alternative ducting system has been developed which utilizes semkrigid ducting, which aflows the ducting to be threaded though voids in the fabric of the building structure and/or encased in the structural concrete formwork.

Th's system is agan elficient, in that the continuous lengtis of ducting present a smooth surface to the ventlatbon air flov However, this flexible ducting is very expensive as compared to rigid ducting in an attempt to reduce cost, a hybrid system has been developed, which utilizes rigid ducting fluidly to connect to a plenum chamber at a convenient location in a building space, such as a loft space, and semi-rigid ducting from the pLenum chamber to required locations within the building.

The plenum chamber is a fixed structure which includes a primary port to which the rigid ducting is connected and a plurality of secondary ports, which i Ioated at fixed pesitleris around the perIphery of he plenum chamber to whitt sefliWt4ld ducting can be connected as reqUired.

The pn sent nvenWr has recognlze4 that. Whilst this hybrid system is of redUdS tat, the system could Sther be reduce4 fl 45 and also, rendered m'$tt t'cte cwiflgurabie by providing a modular nianjfokb In one aspect the present TnvanUøn ptofides a mantfdW formed from a plurality of co:mportent parts and lnciudfrg a PIUtIIW of manifold comppnents!P thM cd'tfltlOn vherTh at lëat one of the fl"'itbld components comprtseë 6 fti'tt manifold c&r4xcnEflt vhith hicLudes a; flow path1. first and second psimari, pot:s at DespectIve ends at the flow path, with one of the primary ports being qopgtfld tot toniiettl1' to' a rigid ducUng, and a s'tOrdary port to a lateral 1da of the flow path coflfig4ired for connection to a f!e,iIF1 ducting.

Preferred errtb:odirne,nts of the' present InventiOn Will noW be desSbS, hereittbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanylrtg drawings, iii wtit" F19t"S? i(a) and (b) tikistrate a in accordance with a Mt !,*k'I"ett of the' present inver*thnF v4th Agure 10) fllu'tE1Ii9 the manifold in JØ'IØ,,*d;vlew Figures 2a) to e) fflu:rate the id component of ie rnSftld of FigMt,S L(i) and (t flgures 3() and tb) i!$1,!at a manitcid In accordance with a embodiment of the present Invention4 with Figure 3(b) itiSSIvg, thç manifold in exploded view; Fgues 4(a) and (U) Ilustrate a marufold in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 4(b) iHustrating the manifofrJ in exploded view; Figures 5(a) and (b) illustrate a manifold in accordance with a fourth enbodrnert of tne present rvent or, wit F gre 5(5) Ftratpng the manifold in exploded view; Figures 6(a) and (b) illustrate a manifold in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present Anvention, with Figure 6(b) Hustrating the manifold in exploded view; Figures 7(a) to (c) iflustrate the second manifold component of the modular manifold of Figures 6(a) and (h); and Figures 8(a) to (c) iliustrate an alternative second manifold component of the modular manifold of Figures 6(a) and (b).

Figures 1(a) and (b) ihustrate a modular manifold 1.' in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

The manifold 1' comprises a plurality of manifold components 3a, b, as ifiustrated in Figures 2(a) to which each include a flow path 5, in this embodimert a near flow path, first anrJ second primar' ports 9, 11 at respective ends of tie flo path 5 ano d secondary port 15 to a lateral side of the flow path 5 In this embodiment the primary ports 9, 11 are adapted to fit a rectangular rigid ducting RD, here of size 220 mm x 90 mm. In other embodiments the primary ports 9, U could cc adapted to fit a gid ducting RD o different size or different shape, such as circular ducting.

rrr this itooimt thesec dry port is 6adaØtéd to fit a circt4ar semi-rigid ducting 51W, here having an internal diameter of 78 mm. tn other embodiments the setondary port 15 could be adapted to fit a Setni-rigid ductin SRD of dtffi rent size çr dffrp shape1 such as rectaruiar In this erribme the sitrold tompents 3a, b are atranged such that the secondary p:orts S5 thereot face laterafly In dlffe?1tt, OØOithy directions, allowing the semi-rigid ductlng $W to extend dftttbs, itith astfl a floor or cSbng void.

in this embôdim:eilt the manifold c4iñè1t 3a b are connected. a Length of r1gI:du&lng whlth prowidéa a spacer cemponent With tE past cottiponertt 17 being tonnected to the s and prlnary ports 11, of the first and éjd flalilfOld b: pot1orits 38 b.

in thisembodimerft he tlrthØiffiary port 9 frdudes fen,alè: tñèttt 21 and the setcd primary poft ii has the same dimension as the rigid ducting RO, provIJng:* male tonnector 23, here with a tapei-and Is con, to the spacer cpmp1e, 17 by a d ecupler 23, here a femSe-to-fernate coupler.

in Sfl' afternative embodiment the secw,d primary pit 1 could hich4e a fimale cqnneØ:& thereby fløid!i19 the tYSd for the ductlng coUerS2S.

in this eit'bodM' ntthe secondary port iS {s provded by a; spigot here wlthathp*t.

In thS; entdirnent the first primary port 9 f te second rnartirod conponent 3k, whIch proMes the di*al end qf the mantfol4 f is cI *1 lari:q -, 31.

Wi l* cfrfi1iUdh, the srnNi9id ducting SPD extending from the manifold cernponei*a 3a, b fl be set out tG haie any destred and dkethort thereby prqvidfr, a much greater cohfigLwabfllty than the.. existihg plenum chathber, and all achieved using reiatvtly-ii1e$peflsivev comp>nent Figures 3( and (b) iII4strate a thØthJiöi ñ%á nifold t' In accordance With a; st embodiment of the present inventIon.

The manffod i' o:f this entOdimerit is very similar to the marilfOld 1' of the fist-described ernbodfrnept alid thi*, hi Order tO avoid unnecessary duplication of dèscriptm oriir. The diffèrent will b d«=tdbed in detail, with like parts being desJnated bsl Ilka reference signs.

The manifold 1" of this embodiment differs in ccmpristhg four manifold comparents a'd,, ith adjacent ones of the? tAhifOid coxpofleflts 3a-d bE!M connectS by respective spacer components 17 The man1f014 1)7 of dsfepilødtment also differs hi that the secondary ports thereof face In the same direction, such that the semi-rigid ducting SRD extind In adjacent parallel r$atim: ft will be understood that the present irwenticm has appflcation In r&flin to any number of manifold components 38d1 and that the manifold 1' allows the secondary pits 1$ thetepf to face hi *hy required direction1 tr exampl. altttiately In opposite d1rectins or in groups arranged tØ fãcEitY oppoSte directions.

me mtnifoi4 it (3f em4frnent (th er 4ifftK that the first manifold cp1n1prieflt 3a is connected to the rlóid ducting Oiy the Stbhd Mary port 11 thececf an: th Spatert*rnOflent: I? by the fr prnypqrt9 thereof, with each suçp rlild ctmponent 3b-d beln9 similarly eChfletlS1 with; the second piirnary ports 11. thè UttSSIVe manifold

I

Li bn*o(ehtS 3-blPg tsnNette to the spacer componenS 17 by ducting cupIers 25, ter4, feflaIØto4erThie coupiers Figures 4(d) and (b) Rhjsträte a modular imnifbld 1" In acordartcettwith a third embotirnent of the ptesenflrientibn.

The manitold fl"t ófthi ëñtdJiéht IcVet%i::s1flifla? to the manifold r otthe fist-described en*odlrnent,, and thqs. In order tP iwold uflëtSJry 4upltatton o de i1pUon oniy the ai: wu P Øcl1, t with like parts being designated by like, reference Igns the manifbld I of this erhdJmentdifféIi, in: antstng Six rtatdfold components 3a-f, With adJicói* ones of the manWbid çqpç ya.d béltig tonrtected bt tespettlve spacer components tl.

The manifold Ut' oFtN fernbqdltftiT lisa diffePi ui that the scGfldary ports are arrange:d ía adj1cer*;groupssucb that the semi-ripid 3RD Ui ëEh frQiJ etteio in adjatent parallel rétatiori, anti the sen*rlgtd ducting $RD of each 4;::p;e*tend In different direcdons it Will be undestoed that the pp nrion has appiicatlow in relation to any number ot manifold components aS, and that the manifold 17 all$S the setønan POtS 15 thereof to face In any required dfrectlon, for enpl alterSIly Ifl PsøwTo;w The rnanff*Id 1'" of this ent Irner* further df1ers; In that thefirSt 4tfPI4 t*i:pôiet sa Is connected to tht rigid ductlhg iii by the secad pcirary port 11 thereol' an4 to the spacer component 17 by the ftrstprlrnary port 9 thereo1 with each successiS manifold cqrnppttat Sb-f blt9 simliarty connected, with the second primary pots 11 of th cpy rolq c&hpo:nts 3b-f being connectS to the spacer comppnen 17 by: udlng couplers 25, here feflia to-female couper& 7-, FiUt' 5a) and (b) 1lluSttate'a modular manifSld j:M in accordance with a fourth embodiment Ø7t1tS " " ent Invention, The manifó,idH1' wmprises a plurality of manifolq cc mponents b of the same kflid a Used in the manifold i' of the flrSt'descrthed embodttnet wit:, each fri'lydca flow path 5 in this embo iment a linear fl'di' póth first and second primary portS 9, 11 at respective ends of the flow path 5, and a secondary p:ort 15 to a IateraJ side: of the flow Pth in this ei,b lOt the ptiit4aifl pOtts 9, 11 are adapted to fit a redangular rigId duçting Dj here oYSizé 220 thi" 190 I'M; Iii Other embodiflieflts'the pttmat. ports 9, ii could be adapted to f1 rii"!d dütti4' RD Of different stzeor different shape1 such as ch'cular dqçl"flg in this embodiment the è"hi''%' ö'ft 15 IS adapted. to fit a circular semi- 4.d dtting SRt" here? having an Interral dtaY"*'t"t of 78 mm. In øther F embodiments the secondary port is could be to " i4t"ld dSth9 SW r"f different sfte or different shape, such as; rectangular ducting.

in this embodkrent the manTfold cpmponw, s 3, b are arranged Suth that the seo"tldary pcrts IS thereof thee th the' same direction, allowing thee sernl:-rlgld dit"frtg SRD to extend In adjacent parallel relatfQn, such as In "a fSr' or ceiling Qj4, F In this enn'bOtllm"M the manifOld cornpnents a, b are connected dkecty together with no rnterverttflg conponent, with the first primary port 9 of the ffrt nfo,Ø omppnent Sa beirg tonttec'd to thesecond primary port ii othe; sac:rtd maStoid component ab; in an a1tert'ãtK'é ehibtt"ettt the setend primary port it of the first' man$fold componert 3a could be çonnec'd to the second primary port' U. of *4: 5eci iTthlfoId tow pcnnt 3b by; a duethig couptS such; as a femále'to-female cpvpler, In this embodiment the first primary ppr* 9 Includes a fetDtaie connector 21 e etond; ptlniaiti port ii Ms the same dimension as the rII. duaihg RD. providing a rn2le: tonPedor 23 here, with a taper, and is. pnncted W the dçld diictldg by a ducth tbUpi 2;S here a female-th4Emate; coupler.

In an aIternàth èibddfrtht the secoS primary port 11 of the first manifld component Sa could ThtfttIe a; iert i: toriPettet, thereby aSYng The netd Mr the dudthg, couplerfl jn this:ethbbdiãéht the secotidary port 15 is provided Dy a spigot ZZ N:ra with a taper.

i this: embodiment the first ptmary port 9 of the Sêthhd tahlfb1d component a.1 *111th: i'OVld the dstal end of the; manifGtd 1'"', lcjqsd by a blaniting Plate 31.

Wittt this cønfiguratlon, the semi-rigid ducting SRD extending from: the r$fP pnponts; 3a, b can be set out to; have any desired sp*ct and direction,, thereby pçØvidth',, a much greater con$gurabfl' than the e,,istlng plenum chamber, a,d all acjThVsd Uh"9' fil8tiVeIy-i4tYe$penSWe component parts.

Flgures'6(a) and (b) ifiq'tn'e w modular manif&d VP Yn dccordance with: fifth ente4hrent' of the preseptin$ntlC4 Tk, manifold comprises a firs, manifold cpp, ponnt a4 * wust"ted Ip Pigw'es {a) t (4 which IncLudes a flow path 5 t tl$s embImen a Rhear flew pathr ffrst and aet*td prittary ports 9, it at respectS,: ends of the; flow path $ an&a secondary port IS to a slder4fthtftoW path 5 F: In this ern'bonentt,hØ: py'ta'ry pctts 9, 11 are adapted to fit a. rectanqLftar' rigid duding w, here of size mm x 90 i"i$i, IA tht ertto""etttS th primary ports L. 11 could be adapted to fit a rigid thicting RD 0f p!rceremt iet different shape, such as circutar dthth,g, I this embodinent the éhdó?' fr'ft 15 is adapted ta fit a tlrcuIar serth rigid ducttng "W, here having an Internal 4iameter of 7$: th'ttt. m embodiments the secondary pofl 3$ could be adapted to fit a senii-r1gAd 040119 51W t diffe'hrnt Size bE different shape, such as rectangular dqç:ing In this embodiment the ma,iW:ld component 3 is arrang such tMt: tt* ePhdar1" pö'ft 15 Thereof faces laterally, allowing the sernWigid duçtlrtg $ to extend IateaRy1 Uh as FYi a flOor ct ceiling void.

The manifold f: &nher comp4sesa sçcod manifOJØ component iS whlth hitiUdés itatrt pbtl;iS; a; secondary port 19 and a flow, path 20 which fluidly connects the pnrary and secondary ports IS, 19, as Illustrated fri Fiwre 7.

IA thg' effibodinlent the? primary and secondary ports 18, 19 of the second marulfoi:d component 1 are axially aligned. With this contIgvràIbn1 the emi-rl'i4, dicting SQ from the t áñd sétbtd manifold components 3, 16 can be arranged to extend Ih orthogonal directicns.

In thiS' SEkbØdUh1't the' first' and second manifold con ponents 3 16 are catnecttl y a length of rigid ducting whtth provides a spacer corTyp,nent I7, with the spacer compon:ént 17 being; cpnriectfl tø the fl"t';iPi"l1 #Ort' 9 of the first nianifol'd component S anø the primary port, 1.8 of the Secofl,., r,:,l4 i'',:tøoneht 16. With this configuration., the length Of that maflWoj i" Is extended so. as to req'uJt less semi-rigid ducting SRI) Sen the.

senikrigid ductfrg S'Rfl is required to a*t1.d t a lo"tin aidally or longitudinally of the manifold 1m In an alternative embodiment the spacer component 117 could be on1IttL F in this ethbodltneftt the first primary port 9 of the ticat rnanffq!4 copipoliePt 3 inclUdes a fEth& cdhrdtt 21 and the second primary pact it has the; same dimension as the r9j8: dUttin RD proviWng a male conneCr 23;.

here *ith a taper.

In an alternative embodiment the secondl primary pprk 11 0 the first manilid CQmPPfle!fl,t 3 cM include * fel ate connector4 In this enthodiment the secondary port 15 of the first: manifold ëofrpOfltit 3 ft provided by a s$got 29., here with a taper.

In this embodiment the primary pO?t 18 Oflhè ::nd manifold component 16 iS adapted to ftt a re:dariular rigid ducting Rn,. hjt flie 220 tm x mm. It other embodiments the prlharj port 18 of th second manlfbld corrponent 14 thftd e aapte to fit a rigid ducting b of dfrfèrer* size or different shape1. such: as cb-c*r fltPFi9.

In thh? etttidfrfleflt the secondary port i of the second maMf&Id component 14 IS adapted to fit a circular semi-rigid ducting $RD here having an Internal dmtir bf 78 mm In ether embodIments t secondary port a of the cop, m cØitpOtietit 16 couRt be: adapted to fit a emkrigid ducting 5P4D of different size or afferent shaper such as rectangular tuth9 In this embodiment the piay port t& >f tie sscond manifold component 16 lpcluds a male connector 3, and 1 conpecte4 o the ØtetëotØotflt ii by a Ø$iifl coupler35 here a femate-to4emate:oq in ai alternative mbclnie!* the primary pørt 18 of the second manifold iipQent 15 could include; a female connector.

In this embodiment the secondary port 18 of the second manifold , a spigot 37, h ewith a taper, With thlS t fItwatIoP, the senlWtgid ducking SRD from the niüifold components 3, Ø, t$ri be 5E.t Outto have any desired spacing and directiojm, thereby providing a muth greater configurablilty than the existing plenum chamber1 and. all achtewed using rSMively4nexp:ensNe component parts.

In aItEntatMf EVbödhttht the setond manifold component St Include Ørt and second seçondSy pit*za:w as Illusthied jp; FigurE 8.

I

FInally, it will be un:&rstoo:d that the presertt Sention has been decried in ith pfefEntid Eittbbdlitteflts and can be riiodthed in many differedt ways w{thou departing fio the scope of the lrWePttthl as defined by the appen:ded SSms ift t pie, in thE desibed etttbithfln%ts the manifold corpoieré 3, , b, aa-d, 3a.f could additionally oralternatwely include a secondary pork is to the other lateral side or to one or oflh4tPP or btttOit sidei In one embodiment the manltóld cempqnent, 3, Ba, b, 3a-t 3a-f couki 1iially ô; alternatively FtiCILrde a plurality of secondary ports IS to; one or both ofthe tepcr botwi ide.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS1+ A manifo'd formed from a pluraUty of component parts and including a plurality of manifold components in fluid connection, wherein at least one of the manifold components comprises a first manifoid component which. includes a flow path, first and second primary ports at respective ends of the flow path, with one of the primary ports being configured for connection to a rigid ducting, and a secondary port to a lateral side of the flow path configured for connection to a flexible ducting.
2. 2 The maniod of claim I, wheren tne rigid cucting is a rigid pastics ducting.
3. 3 Tho mamfold of claim. or 2, whercin the tiexible duct1ng is a semi-rigid ducting.
4. 4. The manifold of any of claims I to 3, wherein the flow path is a inear flow path between the primary ports.The manifold of any o claims I to 4, wherein the primary oorts are adapted to fit a rectangular rigid ducting.

   5+. The manifold of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary port is adapted to fit a circular semi-rigid ducting.7. The manifold of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the manifold components comprise a plurality of the first manifold components.8. The manifold of claim 7, wherein the secondary ports of the first manifold components are arranged such that the secondary ports thereof face laterally in differen.t directions.The w!f:i, er etain 7, WhiflhlPthè Setohrdarp ports of the fit-st manifold components are arranged stith that the secondary ports therS fae laterally In di cent 43rec$rst 10. mEl manifbld ci afl* Of claims I ts41 wherein the adjácen máritfdkl components are eh t:: db a respective spacer component.it. The manifold component of claim tO, whre1rt: the spacer qwnponeit.tprlses a length of rIgl:&ducUng.Iit The manifold of any of claIms 1 to 11, wheréTh ffèilht pfr p:pt Of the at least one first marilfóid com:ponent inchtd!es a female conneø*t and the second primary port of the S jas one first manifold ftdUdès4 flale cOYettor.13. The manifold of any of ctairns 1 to a wherein the sec:t port ort the at least one first rnani%ld component Is pr*1ed by: a spigot.14. The manifold of any of i&nwr 13ç wherein the first primary port of the manftid compsertt which povMés the djJ Of thö jtflft1d Is?cloSed bst: a Ilan1& plate.15c Thee manifold of any Pr ta;ms 1 to 14 wherein the proximal man1o1d component Is connect to the dgld qcstjg y th o?id primaty p* thereof and to the sp8cer componEnt by: the first primary Pøi: i6 The manifold dfany of cl$qs1 34, hrih tile proximal manifold component Is cortnetted the rigid dtdlng by the first primary pPrt theteof and to the spacer component by the secend pørrkar'y port thereof.17. The iUiifOld f a' or&irnsi to i6 wherein: at least iO fflDfe than two or all o the manifold cPipOifltS are connected directly ttgether with no intervening component.;8. ie method Of tlakn 17, whereIn the tS pr1marypott of one manlfoi4 I. conipnent: 1$ flflttd to the second primary port of another adjacent anifo1i component.is. The manifold of any of dairns I b is, wterein the crnp4h*iñ fUfth r comprise a second marii%ld component which indudes a psimary port áóhfipiftéd for fluid tcnewbn; to the at least one rst. manifoki component, at least one secqsldafrY * tonfiqurd for fluid tonrtectton to a ftie ducting, and a f, path w*. fluI4ly cqflII the pth ut. and seondary ports.aO. The rnanWèid of claim 19, wherein the prihiw WM SOPdafl ports Of the second manifodcornponeflt are axially. Stoned, whereby f rigid ducting from the first and second manifold components extend in ortb:ogona:l dfre ions., I 21. The manifold of c'aim 19 or fl wh,:reln the first md secOt%d matflftld I td"ØohAi'" atrt*nretted by a spacer component I lie manIfold p1 ci, fl, wherein, tfl sP'é? cbmØUnent iS provided bya length of rigid dueting.I' 23. The mai$fcld of cislrn 21 or 22, wherein the spacer component Is I wnetEdto the fir$ primary putt t' "the tnt manifold component and the primary port of e seconcf man1fld compone,t.24. The p!11f41 Of dafr" 19 or 2O. wherein the first and second manifPld I cornpneflts are dfrecitly cV)t!eCed without any Inten,ening spacer I: corncnent IS?- 2S The: merilfold fary of ClaimS 19 to 24w wherein the primary port of the second iw:ntfóId cmpnr Is adapted to fit a rettahguk*t iiqid ducthlg.2 The mtifO!d of ay of claims 19 to »=5 wherein the secondary port of the secop4 r!f4 coytiôMht is adapted to fit a tIrcular semi-rigId dücth:g.Z?. The ma. of any tf ddms 19 to 2&, wherein the prlPnary po df the cpm WhtThdude a thale tOhrittcrr 28. The manifold dt any of cMS 1 to Z wherdli the pri,n Pwt of the eod manifold component includes a female conneétr.29. the manifold finy of cLaims 1:9 to 28, where:In tile Sëtbhd port of the seco:nd manUSd component Is proyTdód by a spjgot, O. Thee m:an&fotd pc ytf tIalnis 19 to 29y wherein the second manifold component includes thtan4 sc:n!cwSfY PPtL 31. A ventilation duttlng ysttm corpptlslrgthe manifold of any of daims F to 30, a tlgtd ducting connected to one port of the proISl tb-st niarilfold corsponent, P4 fi:!!4 dUttlñg tthrietted to the secondary port of the at lest one man fold component.32. A kit of parts ferforting the manifold of any of tins I to 3O In Se of a plurality Of ppaslble different CotfiØth*tiOflL 33. A method of forming the manifold of any of iMs 1 to 30 In one of a p!*t!y of PO$!blé different torifigtttatioflt