Removable Draft Blocker with Nested Elastic Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-hung sash windows often experience drafts due to non-airtight seals between the window sash and sill, caused by humidity changes and wear, leading to discomfort and increased energy consumption, especially in rented properties where permanent repairs are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A removable window draft blocker featuring an elongate flexible envelope with semi-rigid elastic sleeves and compressible foam bodies, adjustable in length, designed to fit snugly between the window sash and sill, providing an air-tight seal and easy installation, cleaning, and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable draft blocker is installed, then draft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The draft blocker is divided into multiple independent components: an envelope structure, resilient bodies (foam elements), and semi-rigid elastic sleeves. These segmented parts can be separately manufactured, assembled, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective draft prevention through the coordinated function of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bodies are nested within the envelope, and the semi-rigid elastic sleeves are nested around the resilient bodies, creating a layered nested structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact configuration, preventing drafts effectively while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the draft blocker is made adjustable for different window widths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The draft blocker incorporates dynamic, flexible components including the envelope made of flexible material and resilient bodies that can compress and expand. These dynamic elements naturally adapt to different window widths without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving versatility while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bodies can change their physical parameters (compression, expansion) to accommodate different window dimensions. By utilizing materials that can alter their physical state and dimensions, the draft blocker achieves adaptability across various window widths without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the draft blocker uses resilient bodies and sleeves for sealing, then seal quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient bodies are designed to undergo parameter changes through compression and expansion, allowing them to compensate for variations in manufacturing precision. The elastic deformation of these components ensures consistent seal quality even when component dimensions vary within normal manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The draft blocker combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the envelope uses flexible fabric material, the resilient bodies use compressible foam or elastic materials, and the sleeves use semi-rigid elastic materials. This composite material approach creates a robust sealing system that tolerates manufacturing variations while maintaining high seal quality.
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
Effectively minimizes drafts, is easy to install and clean, and adjustable to fit various window widths, ensuring a snug and durable seal without compromising the window's appearance or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongate semi-rigid elastic water impervious sleeve adapted to surround one of the resilient bodies contained within the envelope
Implementation Method 2
The draft blocker is adapted to engage the bottom of the window sash to prevent or minimize drafts entering between the window sash and window sill
Implementation Method 3
an elongate flexible envelope adapted to accommodate resilient bodies in spaced apart parallel relationship
Data Source
AI summary
A window draft blocker uses resilient elements held in spaced parallel relationship within a rectangular envelope and also has at least one impervious sleeve surrounding one of the resilient bodies protecting it from the elements.