What it does
Utilize a single product to address the factory’s ventilation and lighting needs, and design a detachable waterproof structure to solve the problems of water leakage, difficult maintenance, and vulnerability to bird damage in traditional ventilation balls.
Your inspiration
Ventilation balls are widely installed on the roofs of factories in Asia, but due to manufacturing limitations, these products are difficult to maintain. During heavy rain, the ceiling often leaks, posing a danger to workers operating machinery and causing damage to goods. The market has not provided a perfect solution, which inspired us to design our own. Inspired by the oxygen and moisture circulation systems of marine organisms, we designed a structure that combines ventilation and drainage functions. Through modular design, we addressed the issues of traditional products and ingeniously integrated lighting functionality.
How it works
Through structural design, we divided the interior of the ventilation ball into two spaces. When strong winds and heavy rain backflow through the blades, the rainwater is blocked by the central waterproof wall and discharged from outer space, solving the product’s leakage problem. Additionally, we redesigned the airflow path, allowing gas to be expelled from the inner space to the outer space, and used conical blades to improve ventilation efficiency. Furthermore, we designed the top cover of the ventilation ball as a lens panel, allowing light to be guided indoors from above, thus integrating lighting functionality into the product. Finally, we modularized the product’s components and secured them through mechanisms, which not only improves disassembly and maintenance but also allows the ventilation ball to be made of plastic materials, reducing the product’s cost.
Design process
We started by focusing on the waterproof function, drawing design inspiration from products, spaces, and biological structures. We designed various structural forms until we observed the liquid and gas circulation systems of marine organisms, which led us to develop a simple isolation solution that prevents outdoor moisture from entering while not affecting indoor ventilation. After finalizing the crucial waterproof structure, we addressed the assembly methods for each component of the product. This not only made the product easier to assemble and disassemble but also allowed the most vulnerable fan blades to be replaceable, reducing maintenance costs and enabling the use of plastic materials. Additionally, we added protective barriers on the outside to prevent bird damage. Finally, we considered what additional value this product could provide. Besides ventilation, lighting was a priority for a newly constructed factory. Therefore, we adjusted the upper structure of the ventilation ball, transforming the top plate into a lens for light guidance. Now, a single hole and one product can meet both ventilation and lighting needs.
How it is different
This is the first product on the market to integrate ventilation and outdoor lighting guidance functions. With this product, factories no longer need to create two openings to install skylights and ventilators. Now, a single opening can meet both ventilation and lighting needs, while also enhancing the appearance of the ceiling. Additionally, the innovative structure reduces disassembly and maintenance costs and provides waterproof functionality. This ensures that even in extreme weather conditions, rainwater will not backflow into the interior. Both the ventilation and waterproof functions are achieved without relying on electrical systems. Another significant difference is that the current product structure allows each component to be produced using plastic manufacturing techniques, eliminating the need for workers to assemble numerous metal parts. Furthermore, plastic components can be recycled and reused to produce other products.
Future plans
The current product’s industrial and mechanical designs have been completed. We are collaborating with a professional mechanical team to conduct fluid dynamics simulations, plastic material durability tests, pressure tests, and more. In the Asian and Taiwanese markets, we have already found partners willing to collaborate. We are conducting small-scale field tests and developing extended applications for the product with various units. Meanwhile, the team is actively engaging with different competitions and potential customers worldwide, hoping the product will gain visibility in more countries and help users facing similar issues.
Awards
2024 YOUNG PIN DESIGN AWARD
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