Boat Window Zipper Seal Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window systems for boats are costly due to expensive bonding processes and fail to effectively prevent water from entering the passenger area during wet conditions, such as splashes and rain, while also not being designed to keep passengers dry.
Innovation Solution
A window system comprising a frame made of joists, headers, and beams with a waterproof top and windows that form a dome configuration to direct rain away from the passenger area, using zippers and hooks/loops to create a waterproof barrier between the interior and exterior, reducing costs and preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bonding process is used to attach windows to fabric, then waterproof barrier is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bonding process from the window assembly system and replaces it with mechanical attachment methods using zippers and fabric bonding adhesive applied to grommets. This eliminates the expensive bonding step while maintaining waterproof performance through the zipper closure system that seals between the window and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces zippers as an intermediary component between the window and the frame structure. These zippers provide both mechanical attachment and waterproof sealing functionality, replacing the need for expensive bonding processes while maintaining the integrity of the waterproof barrier.
2Reliability
If traditional window coverage is used, then passenger area is protected from water, but passengers cannot stay completely dry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic window panels that can be zipped open and closed, allowing flexible control over water protection. The windows can be fully closed to create a complete waterproof barrier around passengers, or partially opened for ventilation while maintaining protection through the zipper seal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible fabric windows with zipper closures that create a conforming seal between the window panel and the frame. This flexible membrane system provides complete waterproof coverage when zipped closed, preventing water ingress to passengers while allowing full visibility through the transparent window material.
3Illumination intensity
If windows are made from transparent material, then scenic views are allowed, but water may still enter through window edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces zippers as an intermediary sealing mechanism between the transparent window panel and the frame structure. These zippers provide both mechanical attachment and waterproof sealing, preventing water ingress through the window edges while maintaining full visibility through the transparent material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite assembly combining transparent window material with fabric borders and zipper mechanisms. This composite structure integrates the visibility function of the transparent material with the waterproof sealing function of the fabric and zipper system, achieving both clear views and effective water protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.