Ridge vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ridge vent systems are ineffective in preventing the infiltration of snow, rain, and other atmospheric particles into the attic space, particularly during storms, while maintaining adequate ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A ridge vent design featuring a flange portion with a corrugated filter plate positioned transversely between the cap and flange, allowing air passage while blocking larger particles, utilizing a series of interconnected panels with acute angles and connectors to inhibit foreign matter ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ridge vent designs with simple caps and covers are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but they are ineffective in preventing infiltration of snow and rain into the attic space
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge vent is divided into multiple functional segments: a base layer with ventilation openings, a corrugated filter plate with pore structures, and a cap layer. Each segment performs a specific function - the base provides structural support and ventilation pathways, the corrugated plate filters particles while allowing air flow, and the cap protects against direct precipitation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable snow and rain infiltration prevention through the combined effect of multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated filter plate serves as an intermediary element between the ventilation openings and the attic space. Its pore structure acts as a mediator that allows air molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles such as snowflakes, raindrops, and debris. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing a filtering mechanism that maintains ventilation functionality while preventing harmful infiltration.
2Reliability
If the pore size of the filter plate is reduced to block more particles, then infiltration prevention improves, but air flow through the vent is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated filter plate utilizes porous material with specifically engineered pore sizes that are large enough to allow air molecules to pass through freely but small enough to block snowflakes, raindrops, and other atmospheric particles. The corrugated structure increases the surface area of the filter, providing more pathways for air flow while maintaining effective particle filtration. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal pore size balance that enables both particle blocking and adequate ventilation.
3Reliability
If foam materials with open cells are used to cover the ridge vent, then particle blocking improves, but moisture is retained in the cells reducing effective ventilation area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using open-celled foam materials that trap moisture, the invention employs a corrugated filter plate with controlled pore structures. The porous design allows air to pass through while the corrugated geometry and appropriate pore sizing prevent moisture accumulation. The material selection and structural design ensure that water and snow do not become trapped in the filter media, maintaining effective ventilation area while providing reliable particle blocking.
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 design effectively inhibits the entry of snow, water, and other undesirable elements while ensuring unobstructed airflow, enhancing attic ventilation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the corrugated filter plate providing for a passage of air between the atmosphere and the opening, the corrugated filter plate having a pore size sufficient for facilitating the air passage of air through the corrugated filter plate while blocking passage of atmospheric particles through the corrugated filter plate
Data Source
AI summary
A ridge vent for ventilating a roof of a building via a hole along a roof ridge to atmosphere, the ridge vent comprising a first ridge vent panel: a flange portion for resting on the roof, the flange portion having an opening for overlapping with the hole, the flange portion having a first flange portion positioned to one side of the opening and a second flange portion positioned to another side of the opening, such that the first flange portion and the second flange portion are at an acute angle with respect to one another; a frame portion coupled to the flange portion and having sides extending upwardly from the flange portion about the opening, the frame portion for maintaining a cap portion in a spaced apart relationship with the flange portion; the cap portion connected to the frame portion and covering over the opening; a first corrugated filter plate extending between the cap portion and the flange portion and positioned transversely between the opening and the atmosphere, the first corrugated filter plate positioned to said one side of the opening; and a second corrugated filter plate extending between the cap and the flange portion and positioned transversely between the opening and the atmosphere, the second corrugated filter plate positioned to said another side of the opening; wherein the corrugated filter plates providing for a passage of air between the atmosphere and the opening, the corrugated filter plates having a pore size sufficient for facilitating the air passage of air through the corrugated filter plates while blocking passage of atmospheric particles through the corrugated filter plates.