Exhaust vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust vent systems for flat roofs face challenges such as the need for separate weatherproofing, penetrative fasteners, and internal backdraft dampers that restrict airflow and create unsightly seams.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, plastic exhaust vent system with a sleeve and neck design that allows for tool-less assembly, integrates a backdraft damper for improved airflow, and features a cap that functions as a bird guard without requiring penetrative fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate weatherproofing assemblies and internal backdraft dampers are used, then weather protection and backdraft prevention are achieved, but device complexity and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate assemblies (weatherproofing, backdraft damper, duct connection) into a single integrated exhaust vent unit. The housing encloses both the backdraft damper and weatherproofing elements, eliminating the need for separate field assemblies and reducing installation complexity while maintaining all required functions.
2Reliability
If butterfly dampers with two spring-loaded wings are used, then backdraft prevention is achieved, but free air flow area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backdraft damper mechanism from the traditional butterfly damper design and repositions it within the enclosed housing. The damper is positioned to minimize obstruction of the exhaust duct opening, allowing maximum free air flow while still providing effective backdraft prevention through the enclosed design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field assemblies with multiple seams are used, then adaptability to different duct configurations is achieved, but weatherproofing labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaust vent into modular components (housing, damper assembly, duct connection elements) that can be configured for different duct arrangements. The housing includes integrated flanges and connection points that accommodate various duct configurations while maintaining a sealed, weatherproof construction that eliminates the need for multiple field-applied seams.
4Reliability
If mastics and caulks are applied for weatherproofing seams, then weather protection is achieved, but application difficulty and aesthetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates weatherproofing elements directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mastic or caulk applications. The housing includes built-in sealing flanges and gaskets that provide weather protection through mechanical sealing rather than applied coatings, simplifying installation and improving aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an exhaust vent assembly including a clamp, a sleeve, a neck, a damper in the neck, a cap attached to the neck and a collar. The exhaust vent assembly may be configured without any penetrative fasteners. The invention is further directed to a clamp for attachment to round duct and a building surface to provide strength, rigidity and support to the round duct.