Vent extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent extenders do not effectively redirect airflow from vents under furniture, leading to inefficient air distribution and increased energy costs due to uneven air circulation in rooms.
Innovation Solution
A vent extender design featuring a first and second portion with a pocket and magnet configuration that securely attaches to a vent register, allowing for adjustable extension and improved airflow redirection, including transparent or opaque materials and coupling mechanisms like magnets and adhesive dots to enhance visibility and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vent extender is attached to a vent register under furniture, then airflow redirection is improved, but the attachment stability deteriorates due to limited mounting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vent extender is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that can be separately attached to the vent register. Each portion has its own mounting structure with magnets and mounting surfaces, allowing distributed attachment points that improve overall stability while maintaining airflow redirection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The vent extender portions are designed to nest within each other, with each subsequent portion fitting into the previous one. This nested structure allows multiple attachment points to be consolidated into a compact configuration that maintains stability while enabling airflow redirection around furniture obstacles
2Reliability
If the vent extender includes multiple portions with mounting surfaces, then attachment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent extender is segmented into multiple portions, each with simplified mounting surfaces and magnets. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently manufactured and attached, reducing the complexity of any single component while achieving overall structural stability through multiple attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of portions allows the complex multi-part structure to be compactly organized. Each portion contains simplified mounting elements, and the nesting arrangement consolidates what would otherwise be a dispersed complex structure into a manageable, space-efficient configuration
3Productivity
If the vent extender is designed to extend under furniture, then airflow redirection capability is improved, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent extender is designed as an extendable structure that can be adjusted to fit the specific space available under furniture. The multiple portions can be extended or retracted as needed, allowing the device to adapt to varying clearance distances while maintaining airflow redirection capability without occupying excessive space
Solution Approach 2:
The nested portion design allows the vent extender to occupy minimal space when not in use, with each portion fitting within the previous one. When extension is needed to reach under furniture, the portions can be deployed sequentially, providing the necessary reach while maintaining a compact storage profile
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 vent extender enhances air distribution efficiency by redirecting airflow from vents under furniture, reducing energy costs and improving room air circulation by ensuring even air distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet coupled to the base of the pocket. The magnet may be configured to secure the vent extender to a vent register
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of vent extenders may include a first portion including a back wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall and a second portion including a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second portion may be configured to extendably couple to the first portion. The vent extender may also include a pocket formed within the first portion and including a first pocket sidewall, a second pocket sidewall, a third pocket sidewall opposite the second pocket sidewall, an opening opposite the first pocket sidewall, and a base. The vent extender may also include a magnet coupled to the base of the pocket. The first pocket sidewall may be directly coupled to both of the second pocket sidewall and the third pocket sidewall. The magnet may be configured to secure the vent extender to a vent register.