Skylight Venting Apparatus with Smoke-Triggered Electrical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting systems for structures, such as residential homes, often fail to automatically open skylights during fires due to reliance on fusible links or complex motorized systems that can be damaged by heat, leading to delayed smoke release and increased risk of injury or death from smoke inhalation.
Innovation Solution
A venting apparatus comprising an adapter, mount, torsion springs, latch, and electrical latch actuator, powered by a battery or electrical grid, which automatically opens a skylight upon smoke detection by a sensor unit, allowing smoke to escape without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fusible retaining device is used to open the skylight, then the skylight can open automatically when heat is sufficient, but the device may not open in time because the fire may not generate enough heat to melt the fusible link before dangerous smoke levels build up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical fusible link system with an electrical detection and actuation system. A smoke detector electronically senses smoke presence and triggers an electric motor to open the skylight, eliminating the delay inherent in waiting for fusible links to melt. This substitution of mechanical/thermal systems with electrical systems resolves the contradiction by providing both reliability and speed.
2Extent of automation
If a complex motorized operator with electrical circuitry is used to open the skylight, then the skylight can open automatically upon smoke detection, but the electrical components may melt or deform due to fire heat, rendering the mechanism inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the skylight opening mechanism into separate functional modules: a smoke detection system, an electrical actuation system, and a mechanical opening system. The electrical components (smoke detector and motor) are positioned to operate briefly to open the skylight, after which the mechanical system (spring-loaded operator) completes and maintains the opening. This segmentation allows electrical components to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures while still achieving automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded operator that is pre-charged and ready to open the skylight mechanically once triggered. The electrical motor's role is limited to releasing the preliminary-loaded mechanical system rather than performing the full opening action itself. This preliminary action approach allows electrical components to function briefly in cooler conditions while the heat-resistant mechanical system handles the actual opening under fire conditions.
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 apparatus effectively and automatically opens a skylight to vent smoke during a fire, reducing the risk of injury from smoke inhalation and allowing for safer firefighting conditions by utilizing a robust and heat-resistant design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
automatically opens a skylight upon smoke detection by a sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
It is described herein a venting apparatus for an opening in a roof. The venting apparatus for an opening in a roof may comprise a structural frame, an adapter, a mount, a hinge, and a latch. The adapter may comprise a frame adapter section, a lip extending inwardly from a portion of the frame adapter section inner surface, and a protrusion extending upwardly from the lip. The frame adapter section may be configured to fit around an outer surface of the structural frame while the mount may be configured to fit around an outer surface of the protrusion. The latch may be configured to receive a signal from a device when the device detects the presence of smoke within the building to cause the latch to change from a latch closed position to a latch opened position.