Roof vent with integrated shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof vents are ineffective in preventing the infiltration of water, snow, and other undesirable elements into the attic during storms, particularly for vents mounted lower on the roof, and require multiple auxiliary structures that increase installation time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A roof vent design featuring a flange portion with a corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate that allows air passage while blocking water and snow, combined with an integrated shield to deflect water and a cap that covers the opening, reducing the number of auxiliary structures needed for installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional roof vents are used, then air ventilation is provided, but water and snow infiltration occurs during storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous filter material positioned between the vent opening and the atmosphere. This filter allows air molecules to pass through while blocking larger water droplets and snow particles, achieving both ventilation and protection against water infiltration during storms
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary element between the interior vent opening and the exterior atmosphere. It mediates the passage of air while preventing harmful water and snow particles from entering the attic space, resolving the contradiction between maintaining airflow and blocking water
2Reliability
If multiple auxiliary structures are added to prevent water infiltration, then water protection is improved, but installation time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water protection function directly into the vent assembly by integrating a flange with a pre-positioned filter. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate auxiliary water protection structures, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining reliable water infiltration prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The flange assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the vent, positions the filter correctly, and creates a weather-resistant barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing installation time and expense
3Reliability
If multiple auxiliary structures are added to prevent water infiltration, then water protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter, flange, and vent assembly into an integrated unit. This combination reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate auxiliary structures while maintaining effective water infiltration prevention through the integrated filter system
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 provides effective ventilation while preventing water and snow infiltration, reducing installation complexity and cost by minimizing the number of auxiliary structures required.
Implementation Method 1
a corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate extending between the cap and the flange portion and interposed transversely between the opening and the atmosphere, the corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate providing for a passage of air between the atmosphere and the opening, the corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate having a pore size sufficient for facilitating the air passage of air through the corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate while blocking passage of water through the corrugated or non-corrugated filter plate
Implementation Method 2
an integrated shield mounted on the flange portion and extending transverse to the flange portion on a side of the flange portion configured for facing a peak of the roof, the integrated shield spaced apart from the frame portion by a predefined distance and for deflecting water running down the roof to either side of the roof vent
Data Source
AI summary
A roof vent for ventilating a roof of a building via a hole in the roof to atmosphere, the roof vent comprising: a flange portion for resting on the roof, the flange portion having an opening for overlapping with the hole; a frame portion for maintaining a cap in a spaced apart relationship with the flange portion; the cap connected to the frame portion and covering over the opening; and an integrated shield mounted on the flange portion and extending transverse to the flange portion on a side of the flange portion configured for facing a peak of the roof, the integrated shield spaced apart from the frame portion by a predefined distance and for deflecting water running down the roof to either side of the roof vent.