Solar Vent Fan Mounting Kit for Tool-Less Roof Vent Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar powered attic vent fans are typically complex, expensive, and require a long installation time by trained technicians, often necessitating the enlargement of the vent aperture, which can be problematic, especially when a roof rafter is nearby.
Innovation Solution
A kit of parts for a solar powered vent fan system that includes a motor/fan assembly, a mounting plate, and a solar panel, designed to be easily installed without tools and without enlarging the vent aperture, using a motor/fan assembly mounting plate with clips and an anti-rotation wall to secure the motor/fan assembly, and adjustable solar panel mounting brackets for quick and tool-less installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional solar powered attic vent fans are used, then effective attic cooling is achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and requires long installation time by trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a motor/fan assembly, a mounting plate with integrated mounting features, and a solar panel with separate mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling tool-less assembly through interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the motor/fan assembly, covers the vent aperture, and includes integrated mounting features (clips and anti-rotation walls) for securing the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If traditional solar powered attic vent fans are used, then effective attic cooling is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with integrated clips and anti-rotation walls during manufacturing. The solar panel mounting structure includes pre-positioned brackets and fastening features. These preliminary preparations eliminate the need for on-site measurements, custom fabrications, or complex assembly procedures, enabling rapid tool-less installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features such as resilient clips that automatically engage with the motor/fan assembly flange and anti-rotation walls that passively prevent rotation. These self-service features eliminate the need for trained technicians and specialized tools, allowing DIY installation while maintaining reliable attic cooling.
3Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used, then proper securing of the vent fan is achieved, but the vent aperture must be enlarged, which is problematic when roof rafters are nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/fan assembly is nested within the mounting plate, which in turn is nested within the existing vent aperture opening. The solar panel is mounted separately on the roof surface. This nested arrangement allows the system to fit within existing architectural constraints without requiring enlargement of the vent aperture, even when roof rafters are nearby.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel mounting structure utilizes the third dimension (vertical space above the roof surface) by mounting the solar panel at an angle on brackets extending from the roof. This separates the solar panel installation from the vent aperture plane, allowing independent optimization of both the vent fit and solar energy capture without interference from roof rafters.
4Ease of operation
If simple mounting structures are used, then easy and quick installation is achieved, but the system may lack stability and proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation wall is an asymmetric feature that fits into a corresponding asymmetric recess in the motor/fan assembly flange. This asymmetric pairing provides inherent anti-rotation capability while maintaining simple tool-less installation. The symmetry breaking ensures positive engagement and stable positioning without complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clips feature curved, flexible arms that deflect during installation to accommodate the motor/fan assembly flange, then return to their original shape to provide secure capturing force. This elastic curvature allows the simple clip design to achieve both ease of installation (by flexing during insertion) and mounting stability (by providing continuous retaining force).
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 system allows for quick, inexpensive, and tool-less installation of a solar powered vent fan that can be integrated with existing roof vents without modifying the vent aperture, reducing energy costs and installation time, while effectively cooling attics using solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel is connectable electrically to the motor/fan assembly to power the motor/fan assembly
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a kit of parts for a solar powered vent fan system for use in transporting air through a vent aperture (eg. a roof vent aperture) of a building. The kit of parts includes a motor/fan assembly, a motor/fan assembly mounting plate, a solar panel and a solar panel mounting structure. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate is configured to receive the motor/fan assembly and to substantially cover the vent aperture. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate includes a motor/fan assembly aperture to permit air to be transferred through the motor/fan assembly as a result of operation of the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel is connectable electrically to the motor/fan assembly to power the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel mounting structure is for mounting the solar panel in a suitable position to receive solar energy.