Rodent-Proof Soffit Vent with Nested Frame Grill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soffit vents are susceptible to damage from rodents, allowing them to enter buildings by biting or pushing the grill inward, which causes structural issues and creates entry points.
Innovation Solution
A soffit vent design featuring an outer and inner frame with a grill secured between them, utilizing a combination of mechanical and frictional fastening mechanisms to prevent vertical, horizontal, and inward movement, thereby minimizing animal access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple grill is used for soffit vent, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the vent becomes susceptible to rodent damage and entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the grill between an outer frame and an inner frame, creating a protected structure. The grill is positioned within the cavity formed by the two frames, with the inner frame providing additional protection behind the grill. This nested arrangement prevents rodents from easily accessing or damaging the grill while maintaining ventilation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane grill structure to a three-dimensional assembly with outer and inner frames creating a protective cavity. This dimensional addition provides depth and structural reinforcement, making it difficult for rodents to push the grill inward or access the interior through the vent opening.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grill is securely fastened to prevent movement, then structural integrity is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening system into multiple independent attachment points distributed between the outer frame, inner frame, and grill. This segmentation allows each fastening point to independently secure the structure, providing overall stability while enabling modular assembly and simplifying installation compared to a single complex fastening mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A soffit vent for allowing passage of air into an interior area of a structure having the soffit. The soffit vent is configured to prevent or minimize animals from entering into the interior area through the soffit vent. The soffit vent may comprise an outer frame having a space or gap, an inner frame having a space or gap; and a soffit vent grill; the soffit vent grill positioned or secured in between the outer frame and the inner frame in a manner which prevents vertical, horizontal, and inward movement.