Wall Air Vent Assembly With Locking Seal for Easy Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents for ventilating building structures from within suffer from inefficiencies in installation and sealing, particularly in maintaining effective airflow and weather-tightness, as they often rely on complex and unreliable engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The air vent design features a dual-body structure with interlocking engagement sections and a movable cover unit, allowing for adjustable axial movement and secure locking, along with a radially-biased locking mechanism and a frusto-conical seal for enhanced sealing and easy installation using a pusher tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex engagement mechanism is used to secure the vent, then reliability of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is divided into two separate bodies (first body for internal installation, second body for external installation) that are assembled together through simple engagement sections. This segmentation allows each body to be independently installed and secured, eliminating the need for complex overall engagement mechanisms while maintaining installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first body is inserted into the second body, with the tubular member of the first body receiving the tubular member of the second body. This nested arrangement allows compact installation while maintaining secure connection through the engagement sections, reducing device complexity compared to external fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a fixed sealing mechanism is used, then weather-tightness is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover unit is designed to be movable relative to the second body, allowing it to be pushed through the wall during installation and then locked into position. This dynamic design enables easy installation while maintaining weather-tightness once installed, unlike fixed sealing mechanisms that would require complex pre-positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement sections are designed to automatically lock the first and second bodies together once inserted, without requiring additional fastening operations. The radial biasing element automatically engages the locking groove, providing self-securing functionality that simplifies installation while maintaining secure connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vent structure is made rigid for stability, then stability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent is segmented into two bodies that can be independently handled and inserted separately. This allows the installer to work with smaller, more manageable components that are easier to maneuver through the wall opening, while the final assembled structure provides the required stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows the first body to be inserted into the second body, creating a compact assembly that is easier to handle during installation. The engagement sections provide stable connection once assembled, maintaining structural integrity without requiring overly rigid individual components.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent withdrawal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial biasing element automatically engages with the locking groove to prevent withdrawal of the first body from the second body. This self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking devices or complex fastening systems, providing reliable anti-withdrawal security while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement sections act as an intermediary mechanism between the two bodies, with the radial biasing element and locking groove providing a simple yet effective interlocking interface. This intermediary structure prevents withdrawal without requiring complex locking mechanisms on either body.
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
This design ensures a secure, adjustable, and weather-tight ventilation solution by facilitating easy installation and maintaining airflow while preventing withdrawal without rotation, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing vents.
Implementation Method 1
a frusto-conical seal element configured to provide a weather-tight seal around an aperture in a wall structure
Implementation Method 2
a radially-biased locking mechanism and a frusto-conical seal for enhanced sealing and easy installation using a pusher tool
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An air vent for providing ventilation through a bore in a building structure, the air vent comprising a first body, which is located to a first, internal side of the building structure, a second body, which is located to a second, external side of the building structure and is coupled to the first body to provide a duct which extends through the building structure, and a cover unit, which is movably disposed within the second body between a first non-deployed position and a deployed position.