Solar Ridge Vent Assembly for Emergency Power and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ridge vents primarily serve the function of ventilating attic spaces and do not utilize their exposed surface area for additional purposes, while existing solar power systems on homes do not provide electrical power during extended public grid outages, such as during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A ridge vent system with an elongated, laterally flexible panel that incorporates channels to hold auxiliary components, including solar panels, which generate electrical power when exposed to sunlight, and a power inverter to convert DC power to usable AC power, allowing for emergency power access through a battery bank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ridge vents are used for ventilation only, then the ventilation function is simple and reliable, but the exposed surface area is not utilized for additional functions
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge vent system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: traditional attic ventilation through edge grids, electrical power generation through solar panels mounted on the flexible panel, and aesthetic coverage through ridge cap shingles held by channels. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the ridge vent universal enough to handle diverse functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate systems (ridge vent, solar power system, ridge cap) into a single integrated ridge vent assembly. The flexible panel serves as both the ventilation substrate and the mounting surface for solar panels, while channels integrate shingle retention. This merging reduces overall system complexity while achieving functional versatility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are added to the ridge vent, then electrical power generation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible panel of the ridge vent serves dual purposes: as the structural substrate for ventilation and as the mounting surface for solar panels. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, reducing complexity while enabling power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are integrated directly into the ridge vent assembly rather than being separate rooftop installations. The ventilation grids, flexible panel, solar panels, and ridge cap shingles form a unified system, reducing overall complexity despite adding power generation functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary components are added to the ridge vent, then additional functions are achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge vent system is divided into modular components: the flexible panel with integrated channels, separate auxiliary components (solar panels, ridge cap shingles), and standardized connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled into the complete system, maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels are designed with universal functionality to hold multiple types of auxiliary components (ridge cap shingles, solar panels, or other accessories) through a single standardized interface. This universal holding mechanism simplifies manufacturing compared to designing specialized attachment systems for each auxiliary component type.
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 ridge vent system effectively generates usable electrical power for small appliances during emergencies and provides additional functions like lighting and snow melting, enhancing home resilience during grid outages.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels that generate electrical power when exposed to sunlight
Implementation Method 2
power inverter that converts the DC power of the solar panels to usable AC power
Implementation Method 3
battery bank that has batteries charged when the solar panel is generating power so that access to power is available at night
Implementation Method 4
Warm attic air passes by convection through the ridge slot, beneath the central panel, and exits to the environment through the ventilation grids
Data Source
AI summary
A solar ridge vent includes an elongated laterally flexible panel having edge portions and ventilation grids extending along the edge portions. Channel members extend along the edge portions of the panel and define channels that have channel openings facing inwardly. The channels are sized to receive edges of auxiliary components to hold the auxiliary components on the ridge vent. The auxiliary components may be ridge cap shingles, slate cap shingles, light emitting emergency location panels, or fluid heating panels. In a preferred embodiment, solar power generating panels are configured to be mounted on the ridge vent with its edges held in the channels. A remote electrical box has chargeable batteries, a power inverter, and an AC outlet to provide electrical power in an emergency.