Grille attachment feature for a ventilation system
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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 proposed ventilation system incorporates magnetic attachment features, spring-compression links, and elastic bands to simplify the installation and removal of grilles by utilizing magnetic repulsion, key-and-slot structures, and elastic bands to secure the grille to the main housing, allowing for easy alignment and reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grille springs are used to retain the grille, then the grille can be securely attached to the housing, but the installation process becomes difficult requiring simultaneous compression and positioning of springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spring compression system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic grille springs generate magnetic force that automatically attracts and secures the grille to the housing without requiring manual compression or complex positioning operations, thus maintaining secure attachment while dramatically simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of attachment force from mechanical elastic force (requiring compression) to magnetic force (acting at a distance). This parameter change allows the grille to be attached by simply bringing it near the housing, where magnetic attraction automatically engages the attachment mechanism without requiring forceful compression or precise alignment.
2Area of stationary object
If the ventilation fan is installed in a ceiling, then space utilization is improved, but user access for grille installation becomes difficult requiring elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system replaces the need for manual spring compression with magnetic attraction that operates automatically at a distance. Users simply need to bring the grille near the ceiling-mounted housing, and the magnetic force does the rest, eliminating the need for elevation equipment or complex manual manipulation in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic grille springs provide self-aligning and self-securing functionality. When the grille is brought near the housing, the magnetic force automatically guides and secures the grille in the correct position without requiring user intervention for alignment or positioning, making ceiling installations as easy as any other location.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment features are used, then installation effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic attachment feature directly into the existing grille and housing structures. The magnetic grille springs are integrated into the grille assembly, and corresponding magnetic elements are incorporated into the housing, combining multiple functions (attachment, alignment, and securing) into unified components rather than adding separate complex mechanisms.
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 solution enables effortless installation and removal of grilles, compensates for misalignments, and maintains aesthetic appeal by providing a secure and ergonomic attachment mechanism, enhancing user experience and system aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second magnetic elements are configured to repel one another to push the grille away from 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.