Recessed Vent Frame with Reversible Mount for Flush or External Grille

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed vents require different components for external and flush-with-the-wall installations, leading to increased production and storage costs, as well as complexity for installers who need to manage two distinct versions.

Innovation Solution

A universal recessed vent with a frontally open box-shaped body and adjustable frame that can be mounted in two configurations, allowing the grille to be either outside or flush with the wall, using a screw system with releasable locking elements for precise adjustment and magnetic fixation for a seamless appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different components are produced for external grille and flush-with-wall installations, then each specific application can be optimally satisfied, but production and storage costs increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidmultiple component versions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with a seat and perimeter abutment surface that can accommodate the grille in two different configurations: mounted on the external face of the wall or flush with the wall surface. This universal design allows a single component to serve both application types, eliminating the need for separate component versions while maintaining optimal performance for each installation scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different components are produced for external grille and flush-with-wall installations, then each specific application can be optimally satisfied, but production and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidproduction and storage costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure incorporates a seat and perimeter abutment surface that enable single-component production for both external grille and flush-with-wall installations. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to produce, store, and manage multiple component versions, thereby reducing production complexity and storage costs while maintaining application-specific optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different components are required for different installations, then each installation type can be properly addressed, but installer complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation-type specificityVSAvoidinstaller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with adjustment means including a screw system with releasable locking elements that allow installers to use a single component type for both external grille and flush-with-wall installations. The locking elements can be released and repositioned to accommodate different installation configurations, simplifying the installer's task by eliminating the need to select between different component versions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If the frame distance from the body is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different wall configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed dimension manufacturingVSAvoidmounting configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame incorporates adjustment means with a screw system that allows the distance between the frame and body to be varied. The releasable locking elements enable the frame to be positioned at different distances from the body, accommodating both external grille and flush-with-wall installations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing adaptability to different wall configurations

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

This solution enables a single vent type to serve both applications, reducing production and storage costs, simplifying installation, and enhancing versatility by allowing adjustable mounting and a flush or external grille configuration, thus achieving economies of scale and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the grille is locked in the frame seat by magnetic means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic means: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4202311B1Recessed vent for supplying or extracting air into/from a room
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 R B M SPA
  • EP4202311B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4202311B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4202311B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A recessed vent for supplying or extracting air into/from a room, comprising a frontally open box-shaped body (2) configured to be housed in a compartment bounded by at least one wall (40, 41), and a front grille (7) fixable to the body (2), characterized by comprising a frame (6) provided with a seat for the grille (7) and a perimeter abutment surface (9); the frame (6) is configured to be mounted to the body (2) in a first and a second arrangement, wherein the abutment surface (9) faces the body (2) and, respectively, faces away from the body (2); the vent (1) comprises adjustment means (15, 13, 24) for varying the distance between the frame (6) and the body (2), the grille (7) being fixable to the frame (6) in the first and second arrangements thereof so as to lie outside the wall (41) or flush with the wall, respectively.