Mesh Eaves Closure for Roof Tile Venting and Pest Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roof ventilation closures at the eave allow entry of small objects and animals due to their design, leading to inefficiencies in air flow and potential damage from debris and pests.
Innovation Solution
A mesh-type ventilating closure with an elongated base and protruding surface portions that conform to the undulated lower side of roof tiles, allowing airflow while preventing larger objects and animals, and featuring a flange for secure mounting without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ventilation closures are used at the eave, then airflow is allowed through the roof structure, but small objects and animals can enter the space between the outer roof and under-roof foil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mesh-type structure with controlled opening sizes that functions as a porous material. The mesh allows air molecules to pass through freely while the controlled aperture dimensions physically block larger particles such as leaves, sand, and small animals. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ventilation (productivity) while filtering out harmful factors through the porous structure's size-selective permeability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ventilating closure has a simple flat design, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot conform to the undulated lower side of roof tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface portions with curved profiles that match the undulated geometry of roof tiles. These curved surface portions allow the closure to conform to the varying contours of the roof surface, improving adaptability. The curvature is integrated into an otherwise relatively simple mesh structure, balancing the added geometric complexity with the benefit of surface conformance.
3Strength
If the ventilating closure is secured tightly to the support member, then structural integrity is improved, but the closure may deform during fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closure structure into distinct functional segments: a base portion that contacts the support member, surface portions that conform to the roof tiles, and a mesh-type structure that provides the ventilation function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the base portion can be designed for secure fastening while the mesh structure maintains its integrity, resolving the contradiction between strong attachment and prevention of deformation.
4Volume of stationary object
If multiple ventilating closures are stored separately, then they are easy to handle individually, but they occupy more storage and transport space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the closure with a nested configuration where surface portions are positioned to fit within or alongside each other when multiple closures are stacked. The base portions align to create a compact arrangement, allowing multiple closures to be nested or stacked in a space-efficient manner. This reduces the volume required for storage and transport while maintaining the individual functionality of each closure unit.
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
Enhances airflow, prevents entry of debris and pests, and maintains structural integrity by allowing secure fastening without deforming the closure, improving its resilience and effectiveness in ventilation and protection.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh-type structure for allowing a flow of air to pass through it
Data Source
Figure 1A~1G
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A ventilating closure for an eave of a roof structure and a method for mounting a closure for an eave of a roof structure. The roof structure comprises an elongated support member positioned at and along the eave and plates or tiles positioned above the elongated support member and the elongated support member has an upper support surface facing the plates or tiles. The plates or tiles define an undulated lower side facing the upper support surface of the elongated support member. The ventilating closure comprises a mesh-type structure for allowing a flow of air to pass through it, and the mesh-type structure is a unitary structure which defines an elongated base portion for positioning along the elongated support member and for contacting its upper support surface. A first number of surface portions are positioned in sequence along the elongated base portion and protrude from said base portion for conforming to the undulated lower side.