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, labor-intensive installation, unsightly appearances, and inefficiencies due to internal backdraft dampers and penetrative fasteners, which violate code requirements and compromise airflow.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, tool-less exhaust vent system featuring a plastic sleeve and gooseneck neck with an integral backdraft damper, a twist-lock mechanism, and a clamp for securing round ducts, allowing for easy installation, weatherproofing without penetrative fasteners, and improved airflow through a seamless design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate weatherproofing assemblies and field-assembled joints are used, then weather protection is achieved, but installation labor and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the weatherproofing flashings, support structure, and vent assembly into a single pre-assembled unit. The flashings are permanently attached to the support structure before installation, eliminating the need for separate weatherproofing steps and field assembly of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The weatherproofing flashings and support structure are pre-assembled and pre-weatherproofed at the factory before the vent is installed on the roof. This preliminary assembly ensures proper weather protection is already in place, reducing on-site labor and complexity.
2Reliability
If internal backdraft dampers with spring-loaded wings are used, then backdraft protection is achieved, but free air flow area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using spring-loaded wings that fold inward from the centerline, the patent uses a single-plane damper that rotates on a vertical axis. This inverted design allows the damper blade to be thinner and create less obstruction to air flow while still providing effective backdraft protection when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper design changes from a multi-wing spring-loaded mechanism to a single-plane rotating blade. This parameter change reduces the physical obstruction in the air flow path while maintaining the backdraft protection function through rotational movement rather than folding action.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple field-assembled joints and seams are used, then structural assembly is achieved, but weatherproofing quality and appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure, flashings, and vent assembly are manufactured as a single integrated unit with permanent factory-sealed joints. This eliminates the need for field assembly of multiple separate components, thereby eliminating the seams and joints that would require weatherproofing materials and compromise appearance.
4Strength
If penetrative fasteners are used to secure ducts, then structural attachment is achieved, but code compliance and airflow are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces penetrative mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts) with a friction-fit or snap-fit attachment system. The vent assembly attaches to the support structure through interference fits or elastic deformation of mounting features, providing sufficient attachment strength without penetrating the duct wall or requiring fasteners that would obstruct airflow.
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.