Foundation ventilator repair kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation ventilator mesh systems often become loose or damaged, allowing animals to enter buildings and causing damage, with current repair methods inadequately addressing ventilation functionality and durability.
Innovation Solution
A Foundation Ventilator Repair Kit featuring a novel repair frame with bendable tabs and replacement mesh, secured using screws or alternative fastening methods, designed to attach to the existing narrow frame feature, ensuring effective airflow and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a block of wood or foam block is used to press fit into the ventilator opening for repair, then the opening is immediately blocked, but the ventilation functionality is removed and the repair becomes dislodged or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The repair frame is divided into multiple bendable tabs that can be independently manipulated and secured to different portions of the narrow frame feature, creating a segmented attachment system that distributes securing forces across multiple points
Solution Approach 2:
The repair frame is designed to fit within the existing ventilator structure, with the frame containing bendable tabs that nest within or attach to the narrow frame feature, creating a nested configuration where the repair components are housed within the original ventilator geometry
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh is removed or damaged by utility installation, then access is gained for utilities, but animals can enter the building causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The repair frame and mesh assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the barrier function to prevent animal entry while also accommodating utility installations, making the repair structure universally applicable to both protective and access requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The repair frame acts as an intermediary structure between the damaged mesh and the narrow frame feature, providing a new attachment platform that can accommodate both mesh barriers and utility penetrations, mediating between protective and access needs
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the mesh becomes loose or separates from the narrow frame feature, then the original installation fails, but animals can enter through the foundation vent
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable tabs are pre-formed on the repair frame in a ready-to-secure configuration, allowing for preliminary attachment to the narrow frame feature before final mesh installation, ensuring the frame is securely positioned in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable tabs provide dynamic attachment capability, allowing the installer to bend and shape them during installation to match the specific geometry of the narrow frame feature, creating an adaptable securement that responds to variations in the original structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an assembly of parts and a new utility to repair the detached or damaged screen or mesh of a foundation ventilator. The repair kit consists of a novel repair frame, a mesh or barrier, and an attachment means to attach the mesh or barrier to the frame after the frame has been installed into a ventilator. The open repair frame is made of corrosion resistant malleable material, and has a plurality of bendable tabs cut into the perimeter of the frame that can be crimped against the edges of a foundation ventilator in need of repair thereby holding the repair frame in place effecting a permanent repair once secured and a new barrier such as a mesh attached with any suitable attachment means.