Adjustable Window Support Structure to Prevent Building Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for objects at building windows are often insecure, prone to damage, and require permanent alterations, failing to securely attach objects like air conditioning units and plants without causing damage or modifying the building, and struggle with uneven surfaces and varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with adjustable members and braces that securely attach to both interior and exterior surfaces of a building window, using a modular design with lightweight materials like steel, aluminum, or fiber-reinforced plastic, allowing for precise fitting adjustments without damaging the building, and accommodating uneven surfaces through independent adjustment of multiple braces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support structures are used to support objects at building windows, then the building structure provides inherent strength and stability, but the building is permanently altered or damaged and the support system is insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent components: mounting members that attach to the building, support members that provide structural support, and adjustable braces that secure the object. This segmentation allows the building to remain unmodified while the support members provide the necessary strength through their own structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting members act as intermediaries between the building and the support members. They attach to the building surface without causing damage (using adhesives, tension, or friction) and transfer loads to the support members, which then provide the primary structural strength needed to support objects like air conditioning units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional support structures are made adjustable to fit various windows and wall thicknesses, then the adaptability increases, but the support structure becomes less secure and more loose
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable braces with threaded shafts and adjustment mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the support member positions and angles. This enables the structure to adapt to different window sizes and wall thicknesses while maintaining secure attachment through the adjustable bracing system that can be tightened to eliminate play.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure allows adjustment of multiple parameters including the length of support members, the angle of braces, and the position of mounting members. These parameter changes enable the support structure to conform to various building dimensions and window configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the adjustable bracing system.
3Ease of operation
If conventional support structures are adjusted in fixed increments, then the adjustment is simplified, but the support structure cannot exactly conform to specific building dimensions and remains loose
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable braces feature continuously adjustable mechanisms (threaded shafts with adjustment mechanisms) that allow fine-tuning beyond fixed increments. This enables precise dimensional conformity to specific building measurements while maintaining ease of operation through the simple rotational adjustment interface.
4Reliability
If conventional support structures are secured tightly to match exact wall dimensions, then the support security improves, but the building is damaged or permanently altered
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of mounting members from the primary support structure allows the mounting members to provide secure attachment to the building surface using non-damaging methods (adhesives, tension mounting), while the support members provide the structural security needed to support heavy objects without requiring modification to the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting members serve as intermediaries that secure the support structure to the building without causing damage. They use alternative attachment methods such as adhesives, friction, or tension to achieve secure mounting, thereby maintaining both support security and building integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, apparatuses, kits, and systems for supporting an object at an opening of a structure, such as a window of a building. In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes one or more members that define an interior section and an exterior section. The interior section configured to be coupled to the structure via a first surface of a structure, and the exterior section configured to be coupled to the structure via a second surface of the structure. The apparatus further includes a brace coupled to the one or more members and that extends through a member of the one or more members. The brace comprises includes a first end configured to be coupled to the first surface or the second surface of the structure, and a second end operable to adjust an amount that the brace extends through the member.