Flush-Mount Floor Vent Assembly to Eliminate Tripping Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor vents protrude above the floor surface, creating aesthetic issues and tripping hazards, and often lack adjustable airflow control or closure options.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mount floor vent assembly with a support plate and vent cover that allows for selective airflow adjustment by aligning or obstructing airflow apertures, enabling the vent cover to be installed flush with the floor surface and made from matching flooring materials for aesthetic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional floor vent covers are used, then airflow function is provided, but the vent protrudes above floor surface creating aesthetic issues and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cover is designed to extend horizontally within the floor plane rather than protruding vertically, changing the dimension of airflow obstruction from vertical to horizontal. This allows the vent to maintain functionality while being flush with the floor surface, eliminating tripping hazards and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent cover is nested within the floor opening, with the support plate positioned below the floor surface and the vent cover extending only to the floor level. This nesting approach allows the vent assembly to be contained within the floor structure rather than protruding above it.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed opening floor vents are used, then simple structure is maintained, but airflow rate adjustment and closure are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cover is made rotatable relative to the support plate, transforming the fixed opening into a dynamically adjustable one. By rotating the vent cover to different angular positions, users can control airflow rate or completely block it, adding adaptability without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly is divided into two separable components: a stationary support plate and a rotatable vent cover. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables simple rotational adjustment for airflow control.
3Shape
If vent cover is made from flooring material for aesthetic integration, then visual continuity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cover is manufactured from the same material as the surrounding flooring, creating visual homogeneity and seamless integration. This allows the vent to blend into the floor surface, improving aesthetics while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vent cover assembly is disclosed, such as for a floating or fixed floor. Example vent cover assemblies may include a support plate configured to be secured over a duct, and a flush mount vent cover. The support plate may define a plurality of first airflow apertures configured to permit airflow from the duct through the support plate. The vent cover may define a second plurality of airflow apertures that are positioned in the vent cover such that the second plurality of airflow apertures are aligned with the first airflow apertures when the vent cover is in a first installed position overlying the support plate. The vent cover may obstruct the first airflow apertures when the vent cover is in a second installed position overlying the support plate.