Louvered Dry Open Window Frame for Rain-Proof Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional open windows allow precipitation to enter during inclement weather, disrupting airflow and causing inconvenience, while closed windows lead to heat-related issues and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The development of dry open window (DOW) structures with adjustable louvers and mounting mechanisms that allow fresh air to enter while preventing precipitation, including extendable frames, 'twist and tight' mechanisms, adhesive and Velcro attachments, and rod-and-hook configurations for secure and customizable installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the window is left open to let fresh air in, then air flow is improved, but precipitation enters the building causing flooding and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flowVSAvoidprecipitation entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The window opening is segmented into multiple horizontal slats or louvers that create separate channels for air flow and precipitation management. Each slat acts as an independent element that collectively provides both ventilation and rain protection through the segmented structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary structure (louvered window device) is introduced between the open window and the building interior. This intermediary mechanism mediates the interaction between air flow and precipitation, allowing air to pass through while blocking rain drops through the angled louver design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the window is closed to keep rain out, then precipitation entry is prevented, but heat buildup and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecipitation entryVSAvoidheat buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The louvered window structure provides dynamic control over the opening configuration. The slats can be adjusted to different angles or positions to optimize both rain protection and air flow, allowing the system to adapt to varying weather conditions and maintain thermal comfort while preventing precipitation entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional louvered windows are used, then air flow is allowed, but they cannot keep rain out at steady wind speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flowVSAvoidrain protection at wind speeds
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The louvered window employs asymmetric slat positioning and angling that is specifically designed to exploit wind direction and gravity. The slats are angled to allow air flow from the less windy direction while blocking rain drops that are driven by steady winds, creating an asymmetric protection mechanism that maintains reliability at various wind speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9927141B2Dry open window (OPW) apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 FANG ZHIHUA
  • US9927141B2 patent drawing
  • US9927141B2 patent drawing
  • US9927141B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Improvements in the manufacture, mounting and implementation of dry open window (DOW) structures. Such structures comprise a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have “V” or “W” shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while substantially preventing precipitation to pass, the precipitation instead being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage. Apparatus for mounting a DOW structure in overlying registration around the periphery of an existing window opening may include four corner frame members around and containing the DOW structure. The frame members slidingly engage, with fasteners being provided to lock the frame members to one another when they form an assembled rectangle with dimensions corresponding to the periphery around a window opening. A plurality of components are then provided for mounting the frame members and DOW structure contained therein to the periphery of the window opening.