Ventilation Grille Attachment Feature to Simplify Ceiling Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation fan systems face difficulties in installing grilles due to the need to compress spring mechanisms, which can be challenging, especially when the fan is installed in a ceiling, requiring user effort and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The ventilation system incorporates various attachment features, including magnetic elements, spring-compression links, and elastic bands, to simplify and ergonomic the installation and removal of grilles by utilizing repelling forces, key-and-slot structures, and adjustable attachment posts to secure the grille to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grille springs are used to retain the grille, then the grille can be removed for cleaning or maintenance, but the installation process requires simultaneous compression and positioning of the spring which is difficult and requires user elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment feature is divided into separate components: a housing mount with a recess and a grille mount with a protrusion. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and attached, eliminating the need for simultaneous spring compression and positioning. The grille mount can be attached to the housing mount in a simplified sequential process.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the grille and housing. It includes a housing mount with a recess and a grille mount with a protrusion that engages with the recess, providing a simplified connection interface that eliminates the complex spring compression requirement while maintaining secure retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ventilation fan is installed in a ceiling to provide ventilation, then ventilation coverage is improved, but the user must be elevated to reach the fan for grille installation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment feature separates the grille mounting function from the housing, providing a self-contained mounting mechanism that can be installed at ceiling level. The housing mount with recess and grille mount with protrusion create a simplified interface that reduces the dexterity and access requirements for ceiling installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment feature is designed to be self-aligning and self-retaining. The protrusion on the grille mount engages with the recess in the housing mount automatically, providing a self-service installation process that reduces the need for user elevation and complex manual positioning.
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
These features allow for easy and efficient installation of grilles with minimal user effort, compensating for misalignments and providing a secure, aesthetically pleasing solution that enhances the overall ventilation system's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment feature may include a first magnetic element coupled to the housing mount and a second magnetic element coupled to the grille mount. The magnetic elements may repel one another to provide a repelling force that may assist in installing the grille and/or retaining the grille to the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system includes a main housing defining an internal region and a blower contained within the internal region. The ventilation system is positioned adjacent to a room of a building structure and is configured to draw air out of the room to provide ventilation. The ventilation system further includes a grille secured relative to the main housing using an attachment feature.