Ventilation device for a fabric building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric buildings face limitations in ventilation due to the fixed location of vent hoods, which restricts fabric tension and load-bearing capacity, and lack of flexibility in placing ventilation openings independent of rigid frame members.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device with a lower frame and cover system that allows for tensioning of fabric panels in any direction by securing a rigid perimeter flange around a ventilation opening, enabling exterior ventilation while preventing precipitation entry through exterior openings aligned with the ventilation opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vent hood is rigidly connected to the building frame at an edge of the fabric panels, then ventilation is provided, but the location of the vent hood is limited to an apex of the building frame which interferes with tensioning of the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation device is segmented into a rigid frame portion and a fabric-covered portion, allowing the rigid frame to be independently positioned and secured to the fabric panel at any location, thereby enabling ventilation without being constrained to apex locations and without interfering with fabric tensioning
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid frame acts as an intermediary element between the fabric panel and the ventilation opening, transferring tension forces around the opening while maintaining structural integrity, thus enabling flexible placement of ventilation openings independent of rigid frame members
2Ease of operation
If vents are provided in a fabric building with absence of substantial frame, then ventilation is achieved, but the fabric panels are limited in the loads that they can support due to inability to tension the fabric panels substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is configured with a curved or arched shape that efficiently distributes and transfers tension forces around the ventilation opening, allowing the fabric panel to maintain substantial tension and support heavy loads while accommodating the ventilation opening
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame changes the stress distribution parameters in the fabric panel by providing a stiffening structure that redirects forces around the ventilation opening, thereby maintaining the fabric's load-bearing capacity despite the presence of the opening
3Ease of operation
If a ventilation opening is provided in the fabric panel, then ventilation is enabled, but the fabric panel's ability to maintain tension is compromised at the opening location
Solution Approach 1:
The curved rigid frame arches over the ventilation opening, creating a continuous load path that bypasses the opening and maintains tension continuity in the fabric panel, preventing stress concentration at the opening edges
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric panel is configured as a flexible tensioned membrane that drapes over the rigid frame, allowing the fabric to maintain continuous tension while accommodating the rigid frame structure that bridges the ventilation opening
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation device is supported in at a ventilation opening in a fabric panel of a building in which the fabric panel is supported under tension across a frame. The device includes a lower frame and an intermediate frame with respective flanges that receive a perimeter edge of the fabric panel about the ventilation opening therebetween. A cover is joined to the frames so as to prevent precipitation entering the frame opening while providing exterior ventilation from the ventilation opening of the building through one or more exterior openings in the cover.