Roof Vent Flapper Adaptor With Stepped Collar for Leak-Safe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof vent designs often lack a universal and reliable flapper valve adaptor that can be easily installed and used with various roof vent styles, leading to potential leaks, installer errors, and limited compatibility with different roof inclines.
Innovation Solution
A universal flapper valve adaptor with a low-profile design, featuring a molded plastic construction, adjustable collar for different duct sizes, and a hinge pin aligned with the roof slope, allowing for easy installation and efficient air discharge, compatible with multiple vent body styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate flapper adaptor unit with raised collar is used, then a flapper valve can be provided for conventional passive roof vents, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flapper valve, collar adaptor, and vent body into a single integrated unit. The flapper valve is hinged directly to the vent body at a predetermined location, eliminating the need for separate flapper adaptor units and reducing the number of components that must be assembled and positioned correctly during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different duct sizes through an adjustable collar mechanism. The integrated flapper valve system works with various roof vent styles and configurations, providing broad compatibility without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the flapper adaptor, then a flapper valve can be installed on conventional passive roof vents, but installer errors and leaks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flapper valve directly into the vent body as a single unit, the patent eliminates multiple connection points where leaks could occur. The unified design ensures proper sealing and alignment without requiring precise positioning of separate components during installation.
3Reliability
If the flapper valve is mounted on a raised collar with angled top, then the flapper valve can function, but the vent body must be large enough to accommodate the flapper valve travel range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the flapper valve hinge location within the vent body structure, utilizing internal space rather than requiring external protrusion. This allows the flapper valve to pivot within the vent body's internal volume, eliminating the need for a raised collar and reducing the overall vent body size requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the flapper adaptor fingers latch onto specific vent opening edges, then the adaptor can be secured in place, but compatibility is limited to specific roof vent styles
Solution Approach 1:
The vent body incorporates a universal mounting interface with adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate various duct sizes and roof vent styles. The integrated design eliminates the need for style-specific adaptor fingers, providing broad compatibility across different vent configurations while maintaining secure installation.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to integrate a flapper valve into existing roof vent systems, minimizing installation risks and ensuring efficient air discharge across various roof vent designs and slopes, while maintaining a low profile for compatibility with diverse exterior roof vent styles.
Implementation Method 1
The flapper valve typically opens by reason of the positive air pressure and then closes due to gravity.
Implementation Method 2
When activated the fan will suck air from the bathroom, usually at a ceiling level and then exhaust it to the outside through a dedicated exhaust duct. The fan creates a positive air flow that pushes the air out through the duct and then typically through a flapper valve
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for a passive roof vent is presented having a base securable to a roof deck and an integrally moulded stepped collar extending from the base on one side for connecting to different air duct sizes which defines a discharge end for an air flow passageway. A central well is defined by the collar adjacent to and below the base and is open towards the other side of the base and has a hinge pin for at least one flapper valve retained in the well below the base. At least one flapper valve, hinged to the hinge pin, pivots about a closed position to which the flapper valve is biased by gravity and an open position in which the flapper valve is opened by air pressure from below within the air flow passageway. The flapper valve remains partially within the well when the flapper valve is open.