Adjustable Diffuser Assembly Systems and Methods

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/562,836, filed on Dec. 27, 2021, which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/131,222, entitled “ADJUSTABLE AIR INLET DIFFUSER,” filed Dec. 28, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature and humidity, for occupants of the respective environments. The HVAC system may regulate the environmental properties through delivery of a conditioned air flow to the environment. For example, the HVAC system generally includes an HVAC unit that is fluidly coupled to various rooms or spaces within the building via an air distribution system, such as a system of ductwork. The HVAC unit may be operable to direct a heated air flow or a cooled air flow through the ductwork and into the spaces to be conditioned. In this manner, the HVAC unit facilitates regulation of environmental parameters within the rooms or spaces of the building. Generally, one or more diffuser assemblies are fluidly coupled to the ductwork and are configured to facilitate distribution of the conditioned air into the rooms or spaces to be conditioned. Unfortunately, it may be arduous, costly, and/or time consuming to manufacture, adjust, and/or install different diffuser assemblies configured to couple to various sizes of ductwork that may be installed in the building serviced by the HVAC system.

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

The present disclosure relates to a diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The diffuser assembly includes a housing having a wall and a passage formed in the wall. The diffuser assembly also includes a first adjustment panel moveably coupled to the wall and having a first flange and a second adjustment panel moveably coupled to the wall and having a second flange. The first flange and the second flange define at least a portion of an inlet port of the diffuser assembly that extends through the passage. The inlet port is configured to fluidly couple to a duct and direct an air flow from the duct into an interior volume of the housing. The first adjustment panel and the second adjustment panel are configured to translate along the wall to adjust a size of the inlet port.

The present disclosure also relates to a diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The diffuser assembly includes a wall having a passage extending therethrough. The diffuser assembly also includes a first adjustment panel moveably coupled to the wall and having a first flange extending into the passage. The diffuser assembly includes a second adjustment panel moveably coupled to the wall and having a second flange extending into the passage. The first flange and the second flange define at least a portion of an inlet port extending through the passage and configured to fluidly couple to a duct. The first adjustment panel and the second adjustment panel are configured to translate along the wall between a first configuration to define a first size of the inlet port and a second configuration to define a second size of the inlet port.

The present disclosure also relates to a diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The diffuser assembly includes a housing having a wall and a passage formed in the wall. The diffuser assembly includes a first adjustment panel having a first base portion moveably coupled to the wall. The first adjustment panel also includes a first flange extending from the first base portion into the passage. The diffuser assembly includes a second adjustment panel having a second base portion moveably coupled to the wall. The second adjustment panel also includes a second flange extending from the second base portion into the passage. The first flange and the second flange define at least a portion of an inlet port extending through the passage and configured to receive an air flow from a duct. The first base portion and the second base portion are configured to translate along the wall to expose or occlude a portion of the passage to adjust a size of the inlet port in the passage.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are only examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the property value may be within +/−5%, within +/−4%, within +/−3%, within +/−2%, within +/−1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to convey that the given feature is within +/−5%, within +/−4%, within +/−3%, within +/−2%, within +/−1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Mathematical terms, such as “parallel” and “perpendicular,” should not be rigidly interpreted in a strict mathematical sense, but should instead be interpreted as one of ordinary skill in the art would interpret such terms. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are parallel to a substantial degree, but may have minor deviation from exactly parallel.

As briefly discussed above, a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to thermally regulate a space within a building, home, or other suitable structure. The HVAC system may include an HVAC unit configured to condition an air flow via an evaporator, a furnace, a heating coil, a chiller system, another heat exchange system, or a combination thereof, and to provide the conditioned air flow (e.g., a heated air flow, a cooled air flow, a dehumidified air flow) to the space. For example, the HVAC unit may be fluidly coupled to the space via an air distribution system, such as a system of ductwork, which extends between the HVAC unit and the space. One or more fans or blowers of the HVAC system may be operable to direct a supply of conditioned air from the HVAC unit, through the ductwork, and into the spaces within the building.

Typically, the HVAC system includes one or more diffusers that are fluidly coupled to the ductwork and are configured to facilitate distribution of air from the ductwork into the rooms or spaces of the building. For example, the diffusers may be positioned adjacent to ceilings, floors, and/or walls of the rooms conditioned by the HVAC system and may be configured to discharge air from the ductwork into the rooms or other spaces. In many cases, the building serviced by the HVAC system may include ductwork with a variety of ducts having various sizes (e.g., cross-sectional areas and/or cross-sectional geometries), for example. Accordingly, multiple different diffuser assemblies may be manufactured that include dedicated or particularly-designed inlets configured to receive and couple to corresponding types (e.g., sizes) of ducts. That is, various different types of diffuser assemblies may be manufactured to accommodate and enable installation of the diffuser assemblies onto ducts having various sizes or other characteristics. Unfortunately, manufacturing multiple different diffuser assemblies that are each configured for installation on a particular size and/or shape of duct may increase costs of manufacture of the diffuser assemblies, increase storage costs associated with maintaining a relatively large quantity or inventory of different diffuser assemblies (e.g., prior to installation of the diffuser assemblies on a jobsite), and/or complicate selection and installation of the diffuser assemblies at a jobsite.

It is presently recognized that enabling an individual diffuser assembly to couple (e.g., fluidly couple, mechanically couple) to multiple different types (e.g., sizes) of ducts may facilitate improved installation of the diffuser assembly at a jobsite, as well as reduce cost and/or complexity that may be associated with manufacturing and offering the diffuser assembly. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward an adjustable diffuser assembly that is configured to couple to multiple different types (e.g., sizes) of ducts. For example, the adjustable diffuser assembly may include a housing having a passage that extends through a wall of the housing. The adjustable diffuser assembly may include a set (e.g., one or more) of adjustment panels that are moveably (e.g., slideably) coupled to the wall of the housing and include a set of flanges that extend into the passage. The flanges may define at least a portion of an inlet port of the adjustable diffuser assembly. The inlet port may facilitate coupling (e.g., fluidic coupling, mechanical coupling) of the diffuser assembly to a duct or duct outlet. The adjustment panels may, via translation along and relative to the housing of the diffuser assembly, enable adjustment of a size (e.g., a cross-sectional area, a cross-sectional shape) of the inlet port of the diffuser assembly. In particular, the adjustment panels may be adjustable to cause the size of the inlet port to substantially match or correspond with sizes or other characteristics of various different ducts. For example, an operator (e.g., a service technician installing the adjustable diffuser assembly at a jobsite) may transition the adjustment panels to a first configuration on or relative to the housing of the diffuser assembly in which the size of the inlet port formed by the flanges of the adjustment panels is relatively large. In this way, the relatively large inlet port may facilitate coupling of the adjustable diffuser assembly to a duct having a relatively large size. Alternatively, the operator may transition the adjustment panels to a second configuration on or relative to the housing of the diffuser assembly in which the size of the inlet port formed by the flanges of the adjustment panels is relatively small. In this way, the relatively small inlet port may facilitate coupling of the adjustable diffuser assembly to a duct having a relatively small size. As discussed below, it should be understood that the adjustment panels may be transitionable to a plurality of intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations to facilitate coupling of the inlet port to multitudinous different sizes and/or shapes of ducts. In this manner, the adjustable diffuser assembly disclosed herein may be configured to couple to a variety of different types of ducts. These and other features will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Turning now to the drawings,illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that employs one or more HVAC units in accordance with the present disclosure. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of, or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, a buildingis air conditioned by an HVAC systemhaving an HVAC unit. The buildingmay be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unitis disposed on the roof of the building; however, the HVAC unitmay be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building. The HVAC unitmay be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay be part of a split HVAC system, which includes an outdoor HVAC unit and an indoor HVAC unit.

The HVAC unitis an air cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building. Specifically, the HVAC unitmay include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unitis a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building. The HVAC unitmay provide a variety of heating and/or cooling functions, such as cooling only, heating only, cooling with electric heat, cooling with dehumidification, cooling with gas heat, or cooling with a heat pump. For example, in certain embodiments, the HVAC unitmay be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream.

In any case, after the HVAC unitconditions the air, the air may be supplied to the buildingvia ductwork(e.g., an air distribution system) extending from the HVAC unitand throughout the building. For example, the ductworkmay extend to various individual floors, rooms zones, or other sections or spaces of the building. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of diffuser assembliesis coupled to the ductwork. The diffuser assembliesmay direct the conditioned air into the various spaces of the buildingin a manner that improves air distribution and/or air dispersion across the spaces.

In some embodiments, a control device, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air supplied by the HVAC unit. The control devicealso may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork. For example, the control devicemay be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unitor other components, such as dampers and fans, within the buildingthat may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control devicemay include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building.

is a schematic of an embodiment of a roomof the building, illustrating diffuser assembliescoupled to ductwork. The diffuser assembliesmay be fluidly coupled to the ductworkto receive a flow of conditioned air, which may generated by the HVAC unit, for example. The diffuser assembliesare also fluidly coupled to the room. Accordingly, the diffuser assembliesmay discharge the conditioned airinto a spaceof the room. In some embodiments, the buildingmay include a dropped ceiling(e.g., ceiling tiles) that may be suspended from a ceiling structureof the building. At least a portion of the ductworkand the diffuser assembliesmay be located in a space formed between the ceiling structureand the dropped ceiling. In other embodiments, the ductworkand/or the diffuser assembliesmay be located in any other suitable region of the building. For example, the ductwork, the diffuser assemblies, or both, may be partially or fully integrated into the ceiling structureof the buildingand/or located in wallsor a floorof the building.

is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the diffuser assemblies, referred to herein as a diffuser assembly(e.g., an adjustable diffuser assembly). In the illustrated embodiment, the diffuser assemblyincludes a housinghaving a first wall(e.g., a front wall), a second wall(e.g., a rear wall), and a web(e.g., lateral wall, lateral sides, wrap, etc.) that extends between (e.g., from and to) the first walland the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the webmay collectively define an interior volumeof the diffuser assembly. As discussed in detail below, the first wallmay include a wall flangeextending therefrom and defining a passagethrough the first walland into the interior volumeof the housing. The passageis configured to receive a first flangeof a first adjustment panel(e.g., a first adjustable panel) of the diffuser assemblyand to receive a second flangeof a second adjustment panel(e.g., a second adjustable panel) of the diffuser assembly. The first flangeand the second flangemay define at least a portion of an inlet portof the diffuser assembly. That is, in some embodiments, an inner perimeterof the inlet portmay be defined by the first flange, the second flange, and portions of the wall flange, for example.

A ductof the ductworkmay include an end portion(e.g., duct outlet) that is configured to extend into, extend about, couple to, or otherwise be fluidly connected to the inlet port. In particular, the end portionmay be configured to couple to the first flangeof the first adjustment panel, the second flangeof the second adjustment panel, the wall flange, or a combination thereof. As such, the ductmay direct a conditioned air flow (e.g., a cooled air flow, a heated air flow, a dehumidified air flow) that may be generated by the HVAC unit, for example, through the inlet portand into the interior volumeof the housing. The housingmay discharge the conditioned air flow received from the ductvia an outlet portof the housing, which may be formed between the first walland the second wall. In an installed configuration, the outlet portmay be exposed to or otherwise fluidly coupled to the spaceof the room. In this manner, the diffuser assemblymay facilitate distribution and/or dispersion of the conditioned air flow received from the ductinto the spaceof the room, for example.

As discussed in detail below, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be moveably coupled to the housingand configured to translate along the first wall(e.g., relative to the housing) toward one another and/or away from one another. In particular, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay translate along an axis, relative to the first wall, where the axismay extend generally parallel to a widthof the housing. In this manner, cooperative adjustment of the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelalong and relative to the first wallenables adjustment of a size (e.g., a cross-sectional area, a cross-sectional shape) of the inlet port. In particular, adjustment of the first and second adjustment panels,along the first wallenables a size of the inlet portto be increased or decreased to enable the inlet portto adequately receive the end portionof the duct, based on the particular size of the duct(e.g., a relatively large or wider duct, a relative small or narrow duct).

Accordingly, in embodiments where the ducthas a size that is relatively large, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be transitioned to a first configuration(see), in which the first flangeof the first adjustment paneland the second flangeof the second adjustment panelare positioned at opposing sides or edges of the passage(e.g., with respect to the axis), such that the inlet portis relatively large and configured to receive and secure the relatively large duct. Conversely, in embodiments where the ducthas a size that is relatively small, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be transitioned to a second configuration(see), in which the first flangeof the first adjustment paneland the second flangeof the second adjustment panelare engaged with or abutting one another or positioned substantially adjacent one another (e.g., with respect to the axis), such that the inlet portis relatively small and configured to receive and secure the relatively small duct. As such, it should be appreciated that adjustment of the size of the inlet portmay facilitate coupling the diffuser assemblyto various different sizes of the duct. As discussed below, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be transitioned to a plurality of configurations between the first configurationand the second configuration, such that the first flangeof the first adjustment panel, the second flangeof the second adjustment panel, and corresponding portions of the wall flangemay cooperate to adjust the size of the inlet portto a plurality of different values.

is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly. In some embodiments, the first wall, the second wall, and the webof the housingmay be separate components that are coupled to one another via fasteners, adhesives, and/or a metallurgical process, such as welding or brazing. In some embodiments, the wall flangethat may extend from and cross-wise to an outer surfaceof the first wall. The wall flangemay define an inner perimeterof the passage. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the wall flangeincludes a set of profiled flange sections(e.g., lateral flange sections, curved flange sections) and a set of flange mounting sections(e.g., linear flange sections) that extend between the profiled flange sections. As such, profiled flange sectionsand the flange mounting sectionsmay collectively define the inner perimeterof the passage.

In some embodiments, the flange mounting sectionsmay extend generally parallel to one another and along the axis, for example. Either or both of the flange mounting sectionsmay include one or more first aperturesformed therein that, as discussed below, may be configured to facilitate securement of the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelto the first wallat plurality of discrete positions. In some embodiments, each of the profiled flange sectionsmay be self-similar and have a semi-circular profile that extends between corresponding ends of the flange mounting sections. To this end, the inner perimeterof the passagemay include a generally oblong profile. However, although the passageis illustrated as having a generally oblong cross-sectional profile in the illustrated embodiment of, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the passagemay have any other suitable cross-sectional profile. For example, in some embodiments, the profiled flange sectionsmay be linear sections that extend between the flange mounting sectionsto form a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile of the passage, a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile of the passage, or another suitable cross-sectional profile of the passage. In certain embodiments, the wall flangemay be a component that is separate from the first walland coupled to the first wall(e.g., via a metallurgical process). In other embodiments, the wall flangemay be formed integrally with the first wall. For example, the first wallmay be formed from sheet metal that is stamped to include the wall flangeformed integrally therewith.

For conciseness, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be collectively referred to herein as adjustment panelsof the diffuser assembly. In some embodiments, the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelmay be self-similar components that are interchangeable with one another. Moreover, the first flangeof the first adjustment paneland the second flangeof the second adjustment panelmay be collectively referred to herein as adjustment panel flanges. In the illustrated embodiment of, the adjustment panelseach include a base panel(e.g., a base portion) and the corresponding adjustment panel flanges(e.g., flange portions), which may extend cross-wise to and from the base panels. In some embodiments, the adjustment panel flangesmay each include a profiled portion(e.g., a curved portion) and a set of mounting portions(e.g., linear portions) that extend from the profiled portion. The mounting portionsmay include one or more second aperturesformed therein that, as discussed below, may be configured to align with corresponding ones of the first aperturesto facilitate securement of the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelto the first wallat plurality of discrete positions along the first wall.

In some embodiments, the profiled portionsof the adjustment panel flangesmay include profiles that match (e.g., are geometrically similar too) or correspond with the profiled flange sectionsof the wall flange. In an installed configuration(see) of the adjustment panelson the first wall, first sliding surfacesof the base panelsmay be configured to engage with (e.g., physically contact) a second sliding surfaceof the first wall, and the adjustment panel flangesmay extend through the passage. Further, in the installed configurationof the adjustment panelson the first wall, the mounting portionsof the adjustment panel flangesmay extend generally parallel to the flange mounting sectionsof the wall flange.

The diffuser assemblyincludes a plurality of upper guide tabsand a plurality of lower guide tabsthat are configured to couple to the first walland, as discussed below, guide translation of the adjustment panelsalong the axis, relative to the first wall. For example, to better illustrate the engagement between the upper guide tabsand the first wall,is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of the diffuser assembly, illustrating the upper guide tabsin an installed configurationon the first wall. For clarity, in the illustrated embodiment of, the adjustment panelsare in the installed configurationon the first wall. In some embodiments, the upper guide tabsmay each include a first mounting flange, a first guide flange, and a first web(e.g., transition section, offsetting portion) that extends between the first mounting flangeand the first guide flange. The first mounting flangesmay be coupled to the second sliding surfaceof the first wallin the installed configurationof the upper guide tabs. The first mounting flangesmay be coupled to the first wallvia fasteners, adhesives, or a metallurgical process, such as welding or brazing. In the installed configurationon the first wall, the upper guide tabsmay form a set of first channelsthat extend between the second sliding surfaceof the first walland corresponding surfaces the first guide flanges. Each of the first channelsis configured to receive a respective one of the base panelsof the adjustment panels. In this way, the upper guide tabsmay enable translation of the adjustment panelsalong the first channelsand the axis, relative to the first wall, while substantially blocking movement of the adjustment panelsalong an additional axisthat may extend parallel to a depthof the housing, for example. That is, the upper guide tabsmay guide translation of the first sliding surfaces(see) of the adjustment panelsalong the second sliding surfaceof the first wall(e.g., along the axis).

To better illustrate the engagement between the lower guide tabsand the first wall,is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of the diffuser assembly, illustrating the lower guide tabsin an installed configurationon the first wall. For clarity, in the illustrated embodiment of, the adjustment panelsare in the installed configurationon the first wall. In some embodiments, the lower guide tabsmay each include a second mounting flange, a second guide flange, and a second web(e.g., transition section, offsetting portion) that extends between the second mounting flangeand the second guide flange. The second mounting flangesmay be coupled to the second sliding surfaceof the first wallin the installed configurationof the lower guide tabs. The second mounting flangesmay be coupled to the first wallvia fasteners, adhesives, or a metallurgical process, such as welding or brazing. In the installed configurationon the first wall, the lower guide tabsmay form a set of second channelsthat extend between the second sliding surfaceof the first walland corresponding surfaces the second guide flanges. Each of the second channelsis configured to receive a respective one of the base panelsof the adjustment panels. Thus, the lower guide tabsmay enable translation of the adjustment panelsalong the second channelsand the axis, relative to the first wall, while substantially blocking movement of the adjustment panelsalong the additional axis, for example. That is, the lower guide tabsmay facilitate translation of the first sliding surfaces(see) of the adjustment panelsalong the second sliding surfaceof the first wall(e.g., along the axis).

is an elevation view of an embodiment of a portion of the diffuser assembly, illustrating the adjustment panelsin the first configuration(e.g., a fully open or expanded configuration). For clarity, the second wallis not shown with the housingin the illustrated embodiment ofto better illustrate the adjustment panels. In the first configuration, the adjustment panelsmay be positioned such that the adjustment panel flangesare engaged with (e.g., physically contact, abut) the wall flange. That is, the adjustment panel flangesmay engage with the profiled flange sectionsof the wall flange. As generally discussed above, the inner perimeterof the inlet portmay be defined by inner surfaces of the adjustment panel flangesand inner surfaces of at least a portion of the flange mounting sections. As such, in the first configuration(e.g., an expanded configuration) of the adjustment panels, the inner perimeterof the inlet portmay be relatively large and substantially equal to the inner perimeterof the wall flange, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more fastenersmay extend through corresponding ones of the first aperturesin the wall flangeand the second aperturesin the adjustment panel flangesto couple the adjustment panelsto the first wallat the first configuration. In other embodiments, the adjustment panelsmay be coupled to the first wallat the first configurationvia any other suitable technique. In any case, while the adjustment panelsare in the first configuration, the inlet portmay include a relatively large size and, thus, be configured to receive and secure a relatively large duct. That is, in the first configuration, a cross-sectional area of the inlet portmay be substantially equal to a cross-sectional area of the passage. To further illustrate the engagement between the fastenersand the apertures,in the first configurationof the adjustment panels,is a perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly, in which the adjustment panelsare coupled to the first wall(e.g., via the fasteners) in the first configuration.

is an elevation view of an embodiment of a portion of the diffuser assembly, illustrating the adjustment panelsin an intermediate configuration. For clarity, the second wallis not shown with the housingin the illustrated embodiment ofto better illustrate the adjustment panels. To transition the adjustment panelsfrom the first configurationto the intermediate configuration, an operator (e.g., a service technician installing the diffuser assemblyat a jobsite) may slide the first adjustment panelin a first directionalong the axisand slide the second adjustment panelin a second directionalong the axis, opposite the first direction. In particular, the operator may slide the adjustment panelsalong the axisuntil selected apertures,are appropriately aligned to enable insertion of the fastenersand coupling of the adjustment panelsto the first wallat the intermediate configuration. As such, while the adjustment panelsare in the intermediate configuration, the inlet portmay include a moderate size and, thus, be configured to receive and secure a moderately-sized duct. That is, in the intermediate configuration, a cross-sectional area of the inlet portmay be less than a cross-sectional area of the passage. Indeed, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, in the intermediate configurationof the adjustment panels, the base panelsmay occlude at least a portion of the passageto block undesired air flow between the adjustment panelsand the first wall.

is an elevation view of an embodiment of a portion of the diffuser assembly, illustrating the adjustment panelsin the second configuration(e.g., a contracted configuration). For clarity, the second wallis not shown with the housingin the illustrated embodiment ofto better illustrate the adjustment panels. To transition the adjustment panelsfrom the intermediate configurationto the second configuration, the operator may slide the first adjustment panelin the first directionalong the axisand slide the second adjustment panelin the second directionalong the axis, opposite the first direction. In particular, the operator may slide the adjustment panelsalong the axisuntil selected apertures,are appropriately aligned to enable insertion of the fastenersand coupling of the adjustment panelsto the first wallat the second configuration. In some embodiments, the first adjustment panelmay engage (e.g., contact, abut) the second adjustment panelin the second configurationof the adjustment panels. In any case, while the adjustment panelsare in the second configuration, the inlet portmay include a relatively small size and, thus, be configured to receive and secure a relatively small duct. That is, in the second configuration, a cross-sectional area of the inlet portmay be less than a cross-sectional area of the passage. Indeed, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base panelsmay occlude at least a portion of the passagein the second configurationof the adjustment panelsto block undesired air flow between the adjustment panelsand the first wall. To further illustrate the engagement between the fastenersand the apertures,in the second configurationof the adjustment panels,is a perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly, in which the adjustment panelsare coupled to the first wall(e.g., via the fasteners) in second configuration.

is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first adjustment panel, illustrating a set of mounting slotsof the first adjustment panel. As discussed below, the mounting slotsmay be configured to receive fasteners to facilitate coupling of the first adjustment panelto the housingat a plurality of user-selectable positions. The mounting slotsmay extend through the base paneland along a widthof the first adjustment panel. In the illustrated embodiment of, the first adjustment paneldoes not include the mounting portions. Indeed, as discussed below, the mounting slotsmay be used to facilitate coupling (e.g., fixed coupling) of the first adjustment panelto the housingin lieu of the mounting portions. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, distal ends of the first flangemay terminate at an edgeof the base panel. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the first adjustment panelmay include both the mounting slotsand the mounting portions. Moreover, it should be understood that the second adjustment panelmay include some of or all of the features of the first adjustment paneldiscussed herein.

is a perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly, in which the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment paneleach include corresponding mounting slots. The diffuser assemblymay include a plurality of aperturesformed in the first wallof the housing. The aperturesmay each be configured to align with a corresponding one of the mounting slotsformed in the first and second adjustment panels,. Fastenersmay extend through the aperturesand through a corresponding one of the mounting slots. Retention features (e.g., nuts) may be coupled to ends of the fastenersto wedge or capture the base panelsbetween the retention features and the second sliding surfaceof the first wall. For example, in some embodiments, the retention features may be adjusted such that the engagement between the retention features and the fastenersapplies a slight compressive force between the second sliding surfaceof the first walland the base panels, while still enabling translation of the first and second adjustment panels,along the first wallin the first or second directions,(e.g., based on a force applied to the first and/or second adjustment panels,by the operator). Moreover, in this manner, engagement between the fastenersand the mounting slotsmay enable translation of the first adjustment paneland the second adjustment panelalong the axis, relative to the housing, while substantially blocking movement of the first and second adjustment panels,along the additional axis, relative to the housing. As such, in some embodiments, the upper guide tabsand the lower guide tabsmay be omitted from the diffuser assembly.

In any case, during, for example, installation of the diffuser assembly, the operator may slide (e.g., independently slide) the first and second adjustment panels,along the housinguntil the inlet portreaches a size (e.g., cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape) that is suitable to receive and secure the duct. Once the first and second adjustment panels,are positioned in a manner that enables the inlet portto adequately receive and couple to the duct, the operator may tighten the retention features on the fastenersto fixedly couple the first and second adjustment panels,to the housingand block further or undesired movement of the first and second adjustment panels,relative to the housing.

is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustment panels, in which the adjustment panelseach include a single mounting portion, referred to herein as an extended mounting portion. In some embodiments, each of the extended mounting portionsmay include a lengththat is substantially equal to a length(see) of each of the flange mounting sections. As such, when the adjustment panelsare installed on the first walland disposed in the first configuration, the extended mounting portionsmay extend across the lengthsof the flange mounting sectionsand may be coupled to the flange mounting sectionsin accordance with the aforementioned techniques. Upon transitioning the adjustment panelsfrom the first configurationtoward the second configuration, the extended mounting portionsmay engage with corresponding inner surfacesof the adjustment panel flangesand translate along the inner surfaces. In certain embodiments, upon transitioning the adjustment panelsto an appropriate or desired position on the first wall, the operator may trim (e.g., cut shear) any portion of the extended mounting portionsthat may overlap with the inner surfacesfrom the first and/or second adjustment panels,(e.g., using tin shears). It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the first adjustment panel, the second adjustment panel, or both, may include the mounting slotsin addition to the extended mounting portions. As such, the first or second adjustment panels,may be coupled to the housingin accordance with the techniques discussed above.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for coupling (e.g., fluidly coupling, mechanically coupling) an individual diffuser assembly to multiple different types of ducts to facilitate installation of the diffuser assembly at a jobsite, as well as reduce costs and/or complexity that may be associated with manufacturing the diffuser assembly. The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112 (f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112 (f).