An air supply and extract vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential ventilation systems face issues with airflow balance due to user adjustments of flow plates, leading to unbalanced airflow rates, and the need for re-commissioning after filter replacement, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
An air supply and extract vent design featuring an adjustable airflow damper support with a removable and reconnectable flow plate, allowing for precise setting and retention of airflow rates, and a twist-lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized tampering and ensure consistent airflow settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flow plate is directly secured to the main body for simple construction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of airflow settings are lost due to inability to retain spacing after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The flow plate assembly is segmented from the main body by introducing an intermediate support member. The support member is secured to the main body while the flow plate is mounted to the support member, creating separable components that can be independently maintained while preserving the commissioned spacing relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate support member is introduced as a mediator between the main body and the flow plate. This support member retains the commissioned spacing position relative to the main body and provides a mounting surface for the flow plate, allowing the flow plate to be removed and replaced without affecting the precision spacing.
2Ease of operation
If the flow plate is made removable for easy filter replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of airflow balance is compromised due to inability to retain commissioned spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three separable components: main body, support member, and flow plate. The support member acts as a stable intermediary that remains in the commissioned position while the flow plate can be freely removed for filter access and reinstalled without losing the commissioned spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is pre-positioned and secured to the main body at the commissioned spacing during initial installation. This preliminary action establishes a stable reference position that persists through subsequent flow plate removals and reinstallations, ensuring airflow balance reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow plate spacing is adjustable for commissioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of airflow settings deteriorates due to unauthorized user adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system have different accessibility qualities. The support member spacing adjustment mechanism is positioned to be accessible during commissioning but subsequently protected from user access, while the flow plate remains freely adjustable by users for local airflow control without affecting the commissioned spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment capability is separated into different dimensional aspects: the support member spacing (affecting overall airflow rate) is made stable and protected from user adjustment, while the flow plate position (affecting local flow distribution) remains adjustable by users, allowing adaptability without compromising stability of the commissioned settings.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air supply and extract vent comprises a main body having an open channel extending therethrough and fixing means for securing the main body within a ventilation aperture of a structure. An airflow damper support is configured to be at least partially received within the main body and has an airflow channel extending therethrough. An airflow damper is mounted to the airflow damper support. The position of the airflow damper is adjustable relative to the airflow damper support to vary the airflow through the airflow channel and the airflow damper support is releasably secured to the main body such that the airflow damper support and airflow damper may be disconnected from the main body while retaining said relative position between the airflow damper and the airflow damper support.