Vent extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vent extenders fail to efficiently distribute airflow from vents under furniture, leading to uneven heating or cooling in rooms and increased energy costs due to suboptimal airflow redirection.
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 adjustable extension and redirection of airflow, minimizing visibility and energy wastage by optimizing airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent extender is attached to a vent register under furniture, then airflow can be redirected to improve heating or cooling distribution, but the vent extender may not securely attach to the vent register
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the vent extender securely hold the unit to the metal vent register without requiring tools or permanent installation, thus improving attachment reliability while maintaining ease of operation for installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The vent extender automatically attaches to the vent register when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for precise alignment or manual fastening operations, thereby improving both attachment reliability and installation ease.
2Productivity
If the vent extender redirects airflow efficiently, then heating or cooling distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent extender is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for airflow redirection, a base portion for attachment, and a pocket portion for housing components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable, balancing airflow distribution efficiency with structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent extender integrates multiple functions into a single device: airflow redirection, secure attachment via magnets, and structural support. The body portion serves both as the main airflow channel and as the structural framework, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vent extender is designed to fit under furniture, then visibility is minimized, but the airflow redirection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vent extender utilizes the vertical dimension by extending upward from the floor-level vent register. The body portion rises vertically to redirect airflow into the room, while the base portion remains low-profile to maintain concealment under furniture. This dimensional approach allows the device to be both visible enough to function effectively and hidden enough to maintain aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket portion is nested within the body portion, creating a compact hierarchical structure. This nesting allows the airflow redirection components to be housed within the main body, minimizing the overall footprint and allowing the vent extender to fit under furniture while maintaining adequate airflow redirection capability through the integrated body structure.
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 effectively redirects airflow from vents under furniture, enhancing room heating or cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption 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.