Fan mounting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window-mounted ventilation fans pose a security threat due to easily breakable mountings that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to buildings, as they can be separated without breaking the window, allowing silent and safe entry.
Innovation Solution
A secure fan mounting assembly featuring reinforced mount points with tangential reinforcement structures and a polycarbonate second plate, combined with a sacrificial cowl made of a weaker material to prevent leverage and enhance impact resistance, ensuring the mountings cannot be easily broken or separated without breaking the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard mounting points are used in the second plate, then the mounting assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mountings can be easily broken and separated without breaking the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing reinforcement structures (such as ribs or thicker material) specifically at the mount points where fixing means attach, while the rest of the second plate remains thin. This localized reinforcement strengthens the mounting against breaking at critical points without requiring the entire plate to be thick, thus maintaining ease of manufacture and installation while preventing easy separation without breaking the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a thin second plate with integrated reinforcement structures made of the same or similar material. The reinforcement structures create a composite effect where the mount points have enhanced strength and resistance to breaking, while the overall assembly remains lightweight and easy to install. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and manufacturing simplicity.
2Strength
If the second plate is made thin to minimize visual impact and weight, then the mounting assembly is aesthetically pleasing and lightweight, but the mount points become vulnerable to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating material reinforcement specifically at the mount points rather than throughout the entire second plate. The reinforcement structures (ribs or localized thickening) provide the necessary strength at critical locations while the majority of the plate remains thin, maintaining aesthetic appearance and minimizing overall weight. This resolves the contradiction between mount point strength and overall weight.
3Reliability
If reinforcement structures are added to mount points, then resistance to impact attacks and tool use is improved, but the mounting assembly becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcement structures (such as ribs or localized thickening) only at the mount points where fixing means attach, rather than throughout the entire second plate. This localized approach provides the necessary resistance to impact attacks and tool use at critical points while keeping the overall assembly simple and minimizing additional complexity. The reinforcement structures are integrated into the plate design rather than being separate components.
4Strength
If multiple fixing means are used to attach the plates, then the connection between plates is more secure, but the mounting assembly becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing multiple discrete fixing means (such as screws or clips) that attach at separate mount points distributed around the perimeter of the plates. This segmentation allows the connection strength to be distributed across multiple points, providing secure attachment while maintaining relative simplicity in installation. Each fixing means is independent and can be installed separately, making the overall process manageable despite using multiple fasteners.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fan mounting assembly comprising: a first plate to which a fan is mountable; a second plate for attachment to said first plate; at least one fixing means for attaching said first plate to said second plate, said at least one fixing means attaching to at least one mount point on said second plate, and said second plate being formed from a material comprising polycarbonate. The polycarbonate strengthens the structure and reduces brittleness. The reinforced structure increases the resistance of the structure to impact and/or crushing attacks. Other reinforcements may be used to hinder access to the structure by various tools which may be used in such attacks. A method of mounting a fan is also provided.