Foldable Ventilation Grille with Snap-Lock for Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeration grilles are difficult to install correctly due to the risk of accidental closure during installation, require dexterity to maintain position, and have small openings that accumulate dust and sediments, making them hard to clean and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible aeration grille with snap connection members and a rod system that ensures secure locking in the open position, combined with a removable screen for easy cleaning and aesthetic enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grille is made collapsible to facilitate installation through narrow ducts, then the ease of installation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the open position during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into multiple articulated portions that can be folded together for insertion through narrow ducts, then opened to cover the duct opening. The snap connection members divide the locking function into discrete engagement points between portions, ensuring reliable positioning during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection members are pre-configured on the grille portions to automatically engage when the grille is opened, preventing accidental closure before the installer can secure the grille in position. This preliminary locking action ensures the grille maintains its open state during installation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the grille openings are made small and dense to improve aesthetic appearance and ventilation efficiency, then the ventilation performance is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into multiple portions that can be separated from each other. The screen is made as a separate removable component, allowing it to be detached for cleaning without removing the entire grille assembly. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while maintaining the aesthetic dense opening pattern when installed.
3Ease of operation
If the grille portions are articulated to fold for compact installation, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation hinges and snap connection members are integrated into the grille portion structures themselves rather than being separate components. The hinge connections are built into the joints between portions, and the snap members are formed as part of the portion edges, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the folding capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and secure installation, prevents accidental closure, and allows for easy cleaning and maintenance while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tab is made of an elastic material... the flexible tab is adapted to hook with at least one engagement tooth
Implementation Method 2
snap connection members which allow the grille portions to be locked in the final open configuration
Implementation Method 3
a rod with one end articulated to the grille body... articulated rod also advantageously serves as a grill handle
Implementation Method 4
rod with one end articulated to the grille body... at the other end of the rod a grille retaining member can be fixed
Data Source
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AI summary
A ventilation grille comprises a grille body (11) divided into at least two portions (11a, 11b) mutually articulated so as to fold like a book in an initial closed configuration. The ventilation grille (10) also includes snap connection members (20) for locking the at least two portions (11a, 11b) of the grille body (11) in a final open configuration. The snap connection members (20) can comprise at least one flexible tab (22) which extends from one of the two grille portions (11b). The flexible tab (22) is able to engage with at least one engagement tooth (25) fixed to the other of the two portions of the grille (11a).