Dryer vent accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dryer vent technologies face challenges in easy and efficient installation of solid vent piping and often suffer from inefficiencies and debris collection, leading to potential dryer fires.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustable vent tube joint and pipe system that allows for easy connection and alignment without cutting or crimping, featuring rotatable segments and seamless construction to prevent lint accumulation, along with an insert for retrofitting louvered terminations to improve airflow and prevent debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vent piping installation methods are used, then the vent pipe can be installed, but the installation process requires extensive cutting, measuring, and crimping on site, increasing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The vent pipe system is divided into multiple pre-formed segments (45-degree elbows, 90-degree elbows, straight sections) that can be easily connected through simple insertion and snapping actions, eliminating the need for on-site cutting, measuring, and crimping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The vent pipe segments are pre-formed and pre-assembled into various configurations (elbows, straight sections, tees) during manufacturing, so that installers only need to connect pre-prepared components rather than forming the pipe on site
2Ease of manufacture
If louvered exhaust terminations are used, then the termination can be installed, but the louvered design collects debris (dryer sheets) or lint, increasing the possibility of a dryer fire
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a louvered design that allows debris to enter and accumulate, the patent employs a smooth-walled termination that directs exhaust flow in a way that prevents lint and dryer sheet accumulation, essentially inverting the problematic louvered approach
3Reliability
If solid vent piping is used, then the vent system can be installed, but the installation requires physically forming the vent piping, increasing installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The solid vent piping is segmented into pre-formed components (45-degree elbows, 90-degree elbows, straight sections) that maintain the integrity of solid piping while allowing easy connection through simple insertion and snapping mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The vent piping segments are pre-formed during manufacturing into various configurations, eliminating the need for installers to physically form the piping on site while maintaining the reliability of solid pipe construction
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an adjustable vent tube joint for passing airflow therethough includes, a first segment, a flange extending radially from an outer diameter of the first segment, configured to mount to the vent tube joint to a structure, a second segment rotatably connected to the first segment, and a third segment rotatably connected to the second segment. In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an adjustable vent pipe can include, a first segment and a second segment concentric with the first segment, the second segment being slidable relative to the first segment. In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an insert for an exhaust termination can include, a frame configured to fit within an existing louvered exhaust termination, a hinge member, and a flap operatively connected to the frame via the hinge member configured to open with an exhaust flow to connect a dryer exhaust outlet to an ambient external environment through the exhaust termination.