Integrated Exhaust Vent Assembly for Tool-Free Roof Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust vent and utility termination systems for HVAC line sets and electrical wires on flat roofs face challenges such as labor-intensive installation, unsightly weatherproofing, restricted airflow, and compliance issues with codes like the International Mechanical Code (IMC), particularly due to the use of separate backdraft dampers and penetrative fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, easy-to-install exhaust vent system featuring a plastic sleeve with a gooseneck neck and integral backdraft damper, allowing tool-free adjustment and assembly without penetrative fasteners, which provides improved airflow and is designed for seamless integration with existing ducts, including insulation and a bird guard function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate backdraft dampers and field assemblies are used, then weatherproofing and code compliance are achieved, but device complexity and installation labor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweatherproofing and code complianceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backdraft damper, weatherproofing components, and duct connection into a single integrated exhaust vent assembly. This eliminates the need for separate field assemblies of 90-degree elbows and independent backdraft dampers, reducing the number of parts and simplifying installation while maintaining weatherproofing and code compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated exhaust vent assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides backdraft prevention, weatherproofing, duct connection, and structural support through a single universal component designed to work with standard 4-inch round ducts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If butterfly dampers with spring-loaded wings are used, then backdraft prevention is achieved, but free air flow area is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackdraft preventionVSAvoidfree air flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The backdraft damper is integrated into the exhaust vent assembly in a manner that minimizes its impact on airflow. The damper mechanism is positioned and designed to provide effective backdraft prevention while maintaining a larger free air flow area compared to traditional butterfly dampers with spring-loaded wings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are field assembled, then installation flexibility is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust vent assembly is pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing with all necessary components including the backdraft damper, weatherproofing elements, and connection interfaces. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining the ability to adapt to different installation locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If mastics and caulks are applied for weatherproofing seams, then weather protection is achieved, but labor intensity and aesthetic quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design eliminates the need for separate mastic or caulk applications by incorporating built-in weatherproofing elements as part of the assembly structure. This reduces labor intensity and eliminates the aesthetic issues associated with visible mastics and caulks, while maintaining effective weather protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Stability of the object's composition

If penetrative fasteners are used to secure ducts, then structural stability is achieved, but code compliance and exhaust flow are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcode compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design eliminates penetrative fasteners from the exhaust flow path and duct connection areas, using non-penetrative attachment methods that comply with IMC code requirements while maintaining structural stability of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4001792A1Exhaust vent and utility termination for line sets and electrical wires

Publication Date: 2022.05.25 ROOF GOOSE VENT LLC

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~3B

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an exhaust vent assembly including a sleeve, a neck, a damper in the neck, a cap attached to the neck and a collar. The exhaust vent assembly may be configured without any tools and without any penetrative fasteners. The invention is further directed to a utility termination for HVAC line sets, electrical wires or the like. The utility termination includes a plastic sleeve, a plastic cover and a cap. The components for utility terminations may also be used to fabricate the exhaust vent.