Cover Ventilator Plate Assembly for Moisture-Reducing Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover systems for recreational vehicles, such as boats and trailers, face issues with moisture accumulation due to condensation, which can lead to damage, and require cumbersome and heavy support structures that are difficult to adjust and secure.
Innovation Solution
A ventilator apparatus with universal ventilator plates that allow for improved airflow and secure clamping, combined with a lightweight and easily adjustable telescoping support structure that can be operated remotely, and an electronic module for environmental monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-porous cover is used to protect the vehicle, then protection from elements is improved, but moisture accumulation and condensation damage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies breathable porous materials for the cover that allow moisture vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water and dirt. The porous structure enables condensation to escape rather than accumulate, resolving the contradiction between protection and moisture accumulation by selectively permitting vapor transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisture vapor from the covered space by providing ventilation pathways that allow condensation to be removed actively. Ventilation openings and breathable materials work together to extract accumulated moisture before it can cause damage, separating the protective function from the moisture-trapping effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a support structure is used to prevent water pooling, then water damage protection is improved, but device complexity and weight worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple adjustable sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the structure to provide adequate support for water runoff while using fewer materials and reducing overall complexity compared to a single rigid support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and movable elements that can be configured based on environmental conditions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to different water pooling risks without requiring a permanently complex design, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of support structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven system that automatically positions the support structure. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standard motor components while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing users to adjust the structure with minimal effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates sensors and control systems that enable it to automatically adjust and position itself based on environmental conditions or user input. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated positioning.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If breathable materials are used for the cover, then moisture escape is improved, but protection effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses breathable porous materials that are engineered to allow vapor transmission while blocking liquid penetration. The porous structure provides pathways for moisture escape through capillary action and vapor diffusion, simultaneously maintaining protection effectiveness by preventing rain and dirt from passing through.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover employs composite material construction combining breathable porous layers with water-resistant coatings or treatments. This composite structure integrates moisture escape pathways with protective barriers, allowing vapor to pass through while maintaining effectiveness against liquid water and environmental contaminants.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releaseably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are interchangeable so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover.