Hinged Window Sealing Kit for Portable Air Conditioner Exhaust

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window kits for portable air conditioners are ill-suited for hinged windows, allowing air to re-enter the conditioned space due to poor sealing when the window is partially opened for exhaust.

Innovation Solution

An installation device with a rectangular part and connectors for securing to the window frame, along with elastic fabric triangles to cover gaps, ensuring a secure seal for hinged windows, adaptable to various sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing window kits are used to seal hinged windows, then the installation process is simple, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates allowing air to re-enter the conditioned space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The installation device includes a movable window pane that can be positioned in different positions along the window frame to accommodate various window sizes and configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to effectively seal different hinged window types while maintaining proper sealing pressure and position, thereby achieving both ease of installation and reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device features adjustable parameters including the position of the window pane, the tension of sealing elements, and the configuration of connectors. These parameter adjustments enable the device to adapt to different window geometries and sizes while maintaining optimal sealing performance, resolving the contradiction between simple installation and effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-size window kit is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability to different window sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidwindow size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The installation device is designed with universal characteristics that allow it to function with multiple window sizes and types. The movable window pane and adjustable connectors enable a single device design to serve multiple sealing applications across different hinged window configurations, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized kits for different window sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components including the rectangular part, movable window pane, connectors, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows for flexible assembly and adjustment to accommodate different window sizes while keeping the manufacturing of each individual component simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the window is opened partially for exhaust, then the air flow is sufficient, but the air leakage into conditioned space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair exhaust flowVSAvoidair leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The installation device acts as an intermediary between the exhaust air flow and the conditioned space. It provides a controlled pathway for exhaust air to escape while maintaining a seal that prevents unconditioned air from entering the conditioned space, thereby allowing sufficient air flow for cooling while minimizing energy loss from air leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4264144B1Installation kit for portable air-conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4264144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4264144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4264144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an improved installation device (10) that is particularly useful for sealing windows of a hinged type. The installation device is configured to provide a sealed air exhaust via a hinged window (1). The installation device in accordance with the present invention comprises a rectangular part (6) comprising a hole (7) and at least one connector (15) configured to secure the rectangular part to the frame (5) of a window pane (4) of the hinged window in a position where the rectangular part covers a rectangular gap formed opposite the hinges of the hinged window when the hinged window is in a partly open position. By providing one or more connectors to secure the rectangular part to the frame of the window pane a sealing that efficiently covers the rectangular gap of the hinged window is provided. The sealing can fit different types of windows and is easy to mount. The connectors can advantageously be formed by clamps.