Avian Impact Mitigation System Using Deformable Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bird impact mitigation systems using static masses attached to screens are ineffective in preventing bird collisions with windows, as they either fail to stop larger birds or cause harm to smaller birds due to the static mass's impact. Additionally, these systems degrade over time and can cause damage to buildings in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bird impact mitigation system comprising a pliable mesh suspended relative to a window with weighted masses attached via deformable members. The system absorbs the bird's kinetic energy through the deformation of the mesh and the elongation of the deformable members, gradually decelerating the bird without causing harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static mass is attached to the bottom of the screen to weigh it down, then the screen can prevent smaller birds from impacting the window, but the screen becomes too rigid and causes harm to birds during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static mass with a dynamic system consisting of weighted masses suspended by deformable members (springs or elastic cords). This dynamic configuration allows the screen to adapt its rigidity based on impact conditions, providing gentle deceleration for birds while maintaining reliability in preventing window collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable members (springs or elastic cords) attached to the weighted masses provide pre-configured cushioning capability. When a bird impacts the screen, these members gradually absorb kinetic energy and decelerate the bird, preventing harmful sudden stops while maintaining the screen's effectiveness in blocking window collisions.
2Reliability
If a heavy static mass is attached to the screen, then larger birds can be prevented from impacting the window, but the screen becomes too rigid and causes fatal impact to smaller birds
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weighted masses suspended by deformable members that can dynamically adjust to different impact forces. The deformable members allow the screen to yield appropriately for small birds while still providing sufficient resistance to prevent larger birds from reaching the window, achieving universal protection without fatal consequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the mass-support system from static to dynamic, allowing the effective stiffness parameter to vary with impact conditions. The deformable members enable the system to exhibit different mechanical responses based on the force of impact, protecting birds of all sizes appropriately.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a light static mass is attached to the screen, then smaller birds are protected, but larger birds can still impact the window
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended weighted mass system with deformable members provides dynamic resistance that scales with impact force. Light impacts from small birds are gently absorbed, while stronger impacts from larger birds encounter increasing resistance from the weighted masses, ensuring window protection across all bird sizes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a static mass is attached to the screen, then the screen maintains its position, but the static mass repeatedly impacts the residence in windy conditions causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable members (springs or elastic cords) allow the weighted masses to move dynamically with wind forces rather than remaining fixed. This dynamic behavior absorbs wind energy and prevents the repeated rigid impacts that cause damage to the residence, while the weighted masses still provide sufficient stability to maintain screen position.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable members provide cushioning against wind-induced movements, absorbing the energy of wind forces before they can cause damaging impacts to the residence. This beforehand cushioning protects the building while maintaining screen stability.
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 system effectively decelerates birds of various sizes and speeds before they impact the window, reducing the risk of injury to birds and damage to buildings. The use of deformable members and weighted masses ensures a gentle and gradual energy absorption, preventing sudden deceleration that could harm the birds.
Implementation Method 1
The system absorbs the bird's kinetic energy through the deformation of the mesh and the elongation of the deformable members, gradually decelerating the bird without causing harm
Implementation Method 2
a first weighted mass suspended from the pliable mesh by the first deformable member; a second weighted mass suspended from the pliable mesh opposite by the second deformable member
Data Source
AI summary
In multiple embodiments, the avian impact mitigation system may generally include a pliable mesh that is disposed vertically in front of a window by attaching to a building and hanging down from the attachment points. In some embodiments, the system also includes one or more weighted masses that are attached to a bottom portion of the pliable mesh via one or more deformable members. In many embodiments, the combination of the one or more weighted masses attached to the pliable mesh by the one or more deformable members allows for a gentle and gradual transference of the bird's kinetic energy to the one or more weighted masses by absorbing and dispersing the kinetic energy to decelerate the bird safely and rebound the bird away from the window without making contact with the window.