Garage Door Emergency Ventilation Screen Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a long-felt need for a garage door emergency ventilation system that can automatically detect carbon monoxide leaks and ventilate the garage without user input, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant safety concern in garages.

Innovation Solution

A garage door emergency ventilation system comprising at least one track, one screen assembly, and a control module with a carbon monoxide sensor. When the sensor detects carbon monoxide above a threshold, the control module communicates with a garage door opener to open the door and with a motor to retract a fastener, allowing the screen assembly to fall and cover the opening, thereby ventilating the garage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If the garage door is opened to ventilate carbon monoxide, then carbon monoxide can escape the garage, but animals or individuals can enter the garage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon monoxide buildupVSAvoidentry of animals or individuals

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the garage opening into two functional zones: the upper portion remains open for carbon monoxide ventilation, while the lower portion is covered by the screen assembly to prevent entry of animals or individuals. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing simultaneous ventilation and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen assembly acts as an intermediary element between the garage interior and exterior. It selectively permits carbon monoxide gas to pass through while blocking animals and individuals, thus mediating the conflicting requirements of ventilation and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If manual ventilation is used by opening the garage door, then carbon monoxide can escape, but user input is required and security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon monoxide buildupVSAvoidautomatic ventilation without user input

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting carbon monoxide levels through sensors and triggering the ventilation process without requiring user input. The control module autonomously activates the garage door opener and motorized fastener system, enabling the garage to self-ventilate when hazardous conditions are detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through carbon monoxide sensors that continuously monitor garage air quality. When the sensor detects carbon monoxide above a threshold level, it provides feedback to the control module, which then automatically initiates the ventilation sequence, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the screen assembly is permanently installed to prevent entry, then security is maintained, but carbon monoxide ventilation is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentry of animals or individualsVSAvoidcarbon monoxide buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screen assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability through motorized fasteners that can retract or extend based on system activation. During normal conditions, the fastener extends to secure the screen assembly in place for security. During emergency ventilation, the fastener retracts to allow the screen assembly to move downward and permit gas flow, thus adapting to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively ventilates garages with carbon monoxide leaks automatically, preventing carbon monoxide buildup and ensuring safety by also preventing entry of animals or individuals into the garage.

Implementation Method 1

The control module has at least one sensor that preferably detects carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon monoxide detection:

Implementation Method 2

The screen assembly further prevents animals or individuals from getting into the garage while allowing carbon monoxide gas to vent from the garage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeation through screen: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS12326028B2Garage door emergency ventilation system

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 EVANS LEONARD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a garage door emergency ventilation system primarily comprised of at least one track, at least one screen assembly, and at least one control module. The system can be attached to a panel of a garage door, wherein the control module has at least one sensor that preferably detects carbon monoxide. Once the sensor has detected carbon monoxide above a threshold value, the control module communicates with a motor to retract a fastener from an inner track within the track that is attached to the screen assembly. At the same time, the control module communicates with a garage door opener of the garage door to open the garage door. The screen assembly falls downward to cover the opening left by the opened garage door. The screen assembly further prevents individuals from getting into the garage while allowing carbon monoxide gas to vent from the garage.