Bahama Storm Shutter with Diagonal Slats for Light and Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm shutters for windows do not effectively allow light and air to enter while providing protection from hurricane winds and debris, and most require frequent installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A metal storm shutter system comprising a frame with a metal top, bottom, and sides, a support column, and slats that can rotate and lock into place, allowing for vertical closure during storms and horizontal opening for ventilation, made from extruded aluminum components for strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wood components are used for Bahama shutters, then light and air can enter when closed, but the shutters are not strong enough to withstand hurricane winds and do not satisfy building code requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal components (for strength) with a Bahama shutter design (for ventilation capability). The metal construction provides hurricane-resistant strength while the Bahama design with diagonal slats maintains the ability to allow light and air entry when closed, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Strength
If metal components are used to replace wood, then strength increases, but the design becomes too heavy and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using metal components strategically where strength is needed (frames, support columns, slats) while maintaining the overall lightweight Bahama shutter design. The diagonal slat configuration and open structure provide strength through geometric efficiency rather than simply adding mass, allowing the shutter to be both strong and relatively lightweight.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional metal shutters are deployed, then protection from winds and debris is provided, but light and air are blocked creating claustrophobic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shutter into diagonal slats with gaps between them. This segmented structure allows the shutter to provide protection from winds and debris while simultaneously allowing light and air to pass through the gaps, resolving the contradiction between protection and illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the porous materials principle by creating a shutter structure with intentional gaps and openings between the diagonal slats. This porous-like structure enables the shutter to filter and allow passage of light and air while still providing protection from harmful wind-borne objects, addressing the contradiction between protection and light entry.
4Illumination intensity
If shutters are made to allow light and air entry, then claustrophobic conditions are reduced, but protection effectiveness from hurricane winds is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry through the diagonal orientation of the slats rather than horizontal or vertical arrangements. This asymmetric diagonal configuration optimizes both functions: it provides effective protection against hurricane winds by presenting a angled surface that deflects force, while simultaneously creating gaps that allow light and air passage, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and light entry.
Data Source
AI summary
A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.