Hinged Window Protection Device with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window protection devices during shipping and installation are inadequate as they fail to effectively protect corners, require multiple types for different surfaces, degrade during transport, are costly, and can be dislodged, leading to increased damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular window unit protection device with hinged portions that can be folded to secure corners or flat surfaces, featuring adjustable tower shapes and a locking mechanism, made from durable materials like HDPE or PVC, with adhesive surfaces for secure attachment and skid surfaces for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional protection blocks (scrap wood, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic) are used to protect window units during shipping and installation, then some level of protection is provided, but the blocks do not adequately protect the corner of the window unit and may be knocked off during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into a body portion and a corner portion that can be separately positioned and secured. The corner portion can be rotated into different orientations to protect different surfaces (corner, edge, or flat surface), providing segmented protection zones that adapt to various vulnerability points on the window unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device is pre-configured with adhesive surfaces and a locking mechanism that enables secure attachment to the window unit before shipping and installation processes begin. This preliminary securing action ensures the protection remains in place throughout handling and transport operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple types of blocks are used to protect different surfaces (corner, bottom, side) of the window unit, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can protect corners, edges, and flat surfaces through the rotatable corner portion. This single device replaces the need for multiple specialized blocks, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage across all window unit surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional protection materials are used, then initial protection is provided, but the material degrades during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device utilizes composite construction with a rigid body portion and a rotatable corner portion that can be made from durable, transport-resistant materials. This composite structure maintains protection effectiveness throughout the entire shipping and installation process without degrading under typical transportation conditions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional protection blocks are used, then some protection is achieved, but the material and cost to apply them are cost-prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The universal design allows a single protection device to replace multiple specialized blocks, reducing material costs and simplifying the application process. The standardized construction with adhesive and locking mechanisms enables efficient installation while providing comprehensive protection, thereby reducing overall application costs.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional protection blocks are used, then basic protection is provided, but the blocks may be knocked off during shipping or installation resulting in greater possibility of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pre-designed adhesive surfaces and a locking mechanism that are activated during installation to securely attach the protection device to the window unit. This preliminary securing action prevents the protection from being knocked off during subsequent shipping and installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and adhesive surfaces work together to provide self-securing functionality, where the protection device automatically bonds to the window unit upon proper installation, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations and ensuring reliable attachment throughout the protection period.
Data Source
AI summary
An item protection device protects the item during shipping, movement or installation. In one embodiment, the item may be a window unit whose corners are protected during shipping, movement or installation. The item protection device may have a locking mechanism that securely locks the item protection device to the item so that the item protection device is not easily knocked off of the item during shipping, movement or installation.