Passive ventilation system for underground structures with anti-intrusion grille and active weather deflection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Passive ventilation device for buried structure with anti-intrusion grid and active weather deflection.
[0001] Technical domain: The present invention relates to a ventilation device for partially or fully buried structures such as crawl spaces or cellars. The device aims to provide effective passive ventilation while incorporating protection against the intrusion of insects or small animals, as well as mechanisms for diverting rainwater.
[0002] Prior art: French patent FR2943365 describes a ventilation device intended to be connected to a ventilation duct in an underground space. This device has a flattened shape, with openings oriented perpendicular to the ground and a base suitable for being glued against a wall. However, this system remains susceptible to rainwater infiltration, does not include a calibrated pest control grid, and its external and internal geometry is not specifically optimized to limit condensation or facilitate directional airflow.
[0003] Technical problem: The invention aims to address the limitations identified in FR2943365 by proposing a device integrating: - a front grille with calibrated anti-intrusion cells. - integrated deflectors acting as rain guards. - an optimized internal geometry to channel airflow and limit condensation - modularity for different manufacturing methods (molding, plastic injection, 3D printing).
[0004] Description of the invention: The present invention relates to a ventilation device for crawl spaces, designed to ensure continuous natural ventilation while preventing the intrusion of undesirable elements such as insects, rodents, and rainwater. This device is designed to be installed at the free end of a ventilation duct connected to a crawl space, particularly in residential or industrial buildings. The ventilation system includes: 1. A raised circular base, sized to fit without tools onto standard diameter ventilation pipes (e.g., 80 mm to 125 mm). This base provides both mechanical fixing of the device and passive protection against surface water infiltration by raising the joint (e.g., a 40 mm rise). 2. A hollow transition box, connecting the base to the front grille, with a streamlined internal shape (including conical, curved, or hybrid) to promote airflow dynamics, reduce pressure losses, and limit moisture stagnation and internal condensation. The streamlined shape may include a convergent-divergent section to accelerate airflow. 3. An anti-intrusion facade grille, positioned perpendicular to the base, with a perforated surface calibrated to allow airflow while blocking large insects (wasps, hornets, bees) and small rodents. The grille openings are sized to physically prevent the passage of solid objects with a diameter exceeding a certain threshold, typically in the range of 3 to 7 mm (for example, hexagonal perforations with a maximum diameter of 5 mm). The grille can be angled to improve water runoff. 4. Rain deflection edges, positioned above and on the sides of the grid, serve to divert precipitation away from the device while maintaining free airflow. These edges may be inclined and shaped like an awning or deflector. 5. Technical materials, selected for their resistance to external stresses, are used to manufacture the device. It can be entirely molded, assembled, or 3D printed from polymers resistant to ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and humidity, such as ABS, ASA, or equivalent technical plastics (e.g., PETG or reinforced polyamide). These materials guarantee the device's mechanical and functional durability over several years, even in exposed environments. The invention is distinguished in particular by the combined and functional integration of these elements into a single-unit or modular device, allowing for rapid implementation without tools, compatibility with standard ventilation systems, and increased effectiveness in protecting against pests and inclement weather. This solution presents an effective, robust, and durable alternative to existing devices on the market, which are often rudimentary or ineffective in real-world conditions.
[0005] Justification of novelty and inventive step: The device according to the invention differs fundamentally from patent FR2943365 by: - The presence of a calibrated insect screen integrated during manufacturing. - Molded deflectors on the main body actively diverting water. - An internal shape of the box guiding the flow to avoid condensation stagnation points. - A modular design compatible with 3D printing, allowing for various mounting and assembly options. Presentation of the different figures:
[0006] [Fig-1] Represents a front view of the device. [Fig.2] Represents a bottom view of the device. [Fig.3] Represents a left side view of the device, with hidden edges indicated by dotted lines. [Fig.4] Represents an isometric perspective view (3 / 4 view) of the device, with hidden edges indicated by dotted lines.
Claims
Demands
1. Ventilation device for crawl spaces, comprising: - A circular base designed to fit onto a pipe - A profiled hollow box. - A perforated front grille allowing air circulation while blocking the intrusion of pests.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the grid has openings sized to prevent the passage of insects or small animals, generally less than 7 mm, and of regular shape, such as circular, hexagonal or equivalent.
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that upper and side deflectors are integrated into the molded part in a single manufacturing operation, so as to deflect rainwater away from the air inlet.
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the box has a convergent-divergent shape or an aerodynamic profile promoting air circulation and reducing condensation.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of ASA, ABS or any equivalent polymer material, resistant to weathering and UV.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made in one piece by plastic injection, molding or 3D printing.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises internal fins or drainage channels promoting the flow of water to the outside of the device.