Elastic Envelope Draft Blocker for Door Gap Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draft prevention methods for doors and windows are inadequate, particularly at the bottom edge, where weather stripping is challenging due to misalignment, wear, and abuse, and temporary solutions like towels are inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A draft blocker with an elastic envelope and flexible linear elements that can be adjusted to fit various door widths, allowing easy installation and removal without damaging the door, and accommodating different door sizes by telescoping envelope elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If weather stripping is applied to the door frame or door edges, then drafts are reduced, but the door may stick or require frequent adjustment due to misalignment and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weather stripping function from the door frame and door edges, relocating it to the bottom edge of the door where it is less susceptible to misalignment and wear. The draft blocking element is positioned at the threshold area, separating the sealing function from the hinge and edge surfaces that experience operational stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary structure at the bottom of the door that acts as a mediator between the door and threshold. This intermediate element accommodates misalignment and wear while maintaining the draft-blocking function, preventing direct contact and friction between the door edge and threshold that would cause sticking.
2Ease of operation
If the door bottom is trimmed upward to accommodate misalignment or floor coverings, then the door operates more smoothly, but the gap between the door and sill increases allowing drafts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the draft-blocking function at the bottom edge of the door where the gap exists, rather than requiring the entire door to be trimmed or adjusted. The weather stripping element is specifically positioned at the threshold area to seal the local gap without affecting the overall door operation or requiring trimming of the door bottom.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If permanent weather stripping is installed to seal the door, then drafts are eliminated, but renters or non-owners cannot install it as it requires permanent affixing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a temporary, non-permanent weather stripping solution that can be easily installed and removed without permanent affixing. The draft-blocking element is designed to be adaptable and reversible, allowing renters or non-owners to install it temporarily to eliminate drafts without requiring permanent modifications to the door or door frame.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a tight fit is used at the bottom of the door to eliminate drafts, then air flow is blocked, but the door may stick and become difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by using a compressible or flexible weather stripping element at the bottom of the door that can dynamically adjust between a tight fit when the door is closed (blocking drafts) and a loose fit when the door is being operated (allowing smooth movement). The element deforms under the force of door operation to prevent sticking while maintaining sealing when closed.
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 seals the gap between the door and sill, reducing drafts while being easy to install, remove, and clean, and adjustable to fit different door widths, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency without interfering with door operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic envelope and flexible linear elements that can be adjusted to fit various door widths
Implementation Method 2
flexible linear elements that can be adjusted to fit various door widths, allowing easy installation and removal without damaging the door
Data Source
AI summary
A draft blocker using flexible linear elements contained in an envelope is easily installed upon a door or window. The draft blocker comprises linear elements contained in cavities adapted to ride against the inside and outside of the door thereby sealing the gap between a door and preventing drafts. The draft blocker uses one or more envelope elements allowing insertion of the linear elements at a position other than the ends and has end straps which engage the edges of the door bottom holding the draft blocker in place.