Adjustable Bay Window Support for Sagging and Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bay windows tend to sag over time due to their protruding nature and heavy weight, and existing support structures provide only temporary solutions as they settle over time, requiring customization and not addressing long-term needs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable window support device comprising a horizontal, vertical, and adjustable segment forming a triangular structure, allowing for modification of dimensions by adjusting the length of the adjustable segment and repositioning a pin across holes, enabling it to accommodate bay windows of various sizes and heights, and compensating for settling over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wooden brackets or fixed support structures are used beneath bay windows, then the support structure provides initial support to prevent sagging, but the support structure settles over time and requires customization for each installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates an adjustable segment that can be extended or repositioned over time to compensate for settling. The device transitions from a static fixed bracket to a dynamic system that can adapt its configuration, allowing the support point to be moved lower as the structure settles, thereby maintaining continuous support effectiveness without requiring complete replacement of the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into distinct segments including a horizontal segment, vertical segment, and adjustable segment. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component, particularly the adjustable segment which can be repositioned relative to the other segments to compensate for settling while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed support structures are used, then installation is straightforward, but the structures cannot accommodate bay windows of various sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs adjustable segments with multiple hole positions and repositionable connections that allow the overall dimensions and configuration to be modified during installation and over time. This dynamic adjustability enables the same basic device to accommodate bay windows of various sizes and heights while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed as a universal solution that can support bay windows of different sizes, heights, and weights. The horizontal segment can be positioned at various heights, the adjustable segment can be extended to different lengths, and the connection points can be repositioned, allowing a single device design to serve multiple installation scenarios without requiring custom fabrication for each case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable segments and repositionable pins are incorporated, then the device can accommodate various bay window sizes and compensate for settling, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular segments (horizontal, vertical, and adjustable portions) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment maintains relatively simple construction, but their combination provides the necessary adjustability. The segmentation allows complex adaptability to be achieved through simple, standardized components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable segment with repositionable pins introduces controlled dynamics to an otherwise static support structure. The adjustment mechanism uses simple pinned connections that allow the adjustable segment to be repositioned between discrete hole locations, providing adaptability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms or sophisticated control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable window support device is disclosed. In embodiments, the adjustable window support device includes: a horizontal segment configured to be placed into contact with a lower surface of a bay window; a vertical segment configured to be placed against a wall and configured to extend downwardly from the lower surface of the bay window along the wall; and an adjustable segment configured to extend diagonally from a bottom end of the vertical segment to the pin at or near a front end of the horizontal segment. The adjustable segment includes a first end that is pivotally coupled to the bottom end of the vertical segment and a second end that is configured to be held in a selected position by a pin that extends laterally through at least two holes at or near the front end of the horizontal segment.