Multi-Diameter Vent Assembly with Concentric Cylinders and Debris Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent assemblies for structures like dryers face issues with airflow restriction and potential fire hazards due to debris accumulation when used as exhaust vents, and inefficiencies in accommodating various ventilation tube diameters.
Innovation Solution
A vent assembly featuring concentric cylinders with score lines, a flapper with air intake openings, and a locking system with a tooth on the backplate and receiver on the faceplate, along with stoppers to prevent over-insertion of ventilation tubes, allowing for versatile diameter acceptance and safe airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-diameter vent opening is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate various ventilation tube diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The vent opening is segmented into multiple concentric cylindrical openings with different diameters. Each cylindrical opening can independently accommodate ventilation tubes of corresponding diameters, allowing the single vent assembly to serve multiple tube size requirements without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly is designed with multiple concentric cylindrical openings that provide universal accommodation for different ventilation tube diameters. This multi-functional design allows a single vent structure to replace multiple fixed-diameter vent options, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Ease of operation
If a flapper is used to control airflow, then airflow direction can be managed, but debris can accumulate and create fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper structure is segmented with integrated debris exit openings that separate the airflow control function from debris accumulation. This segmentation allows the flapper to maintain its airflow direction control capability while providing dedicated pathways for debris to exit, eliminating the fire hazard associated with trapped debris
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of debris accumulation is extracted by incorporating dedicated debris exit openings in the flapper. These openings specifically remove the debris accumulation problem while preserving the flapper's primary airflow control function, preventing fire hazards without compromising operational ease
3Ease of operation
If ventilation tubes can be freely inserted, then installation is simple, but tubes can be over-inserted causing improper airflow
Solution Approach 1:
Ventilation tube stoppers are pre-installed in the vent assembly at the correct insertion depth positions. These stoppers perform the preliminary action of defining the proper insertion depth, allowing installers to simply insert tubes until they contact the stoppers, ensuring correct positioning without requiring precise measurement or installation skill
Data Source
AI summary
A vent assembly, including a backplate having plurality of concentric cylinders arranged in an order of decreasing diameter, such that the concentric cylinders are separated by score lines and at least one of the cylinders is recessed from the backplate, and a vent flapper. The assembly may include a tube configured to attach to one of the cylinders and one or more tube stoppers to prevent the tube from being over inserted. The assembly may include a face plate, a tooth formed on the backplate, and a tooth receiver is formed on the face plate. The score lines may be dual-sided score lines. The assembly may include the vent flapper having one or more air intake openings formed within the vent flapper, such that the air intake openings allow air to flow both in and out.