Hurricane Resistant Fabric Clamps with Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing durable fabric over windows during hurricanes are inadequate due to difficulty in achieving a strong and secure connection, especially in high winds.
Innovation Solution
A storm protection system using brackets with protrusions and securing means to hold flexible materials like fabric or screen over building openings, allowing for flexibility under stress and secure attachment to the building frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fabric is used to cover windows during hurricanes, then cost effectiveness and storage simplicity are improved, but achieving a strong and secure connection in high winds becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible fabric panels to cover windows during hurricanes. The fabric is secured using brackets with resilient arms that can flex under wind load while maintaining secure attachment. This approach maintains the cost-effectiveness and storage simplicity of fabric while solving the connection strength problem through specialized mounting hardware designed to accommodate fabric flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly includes resilient arms that can dynamically flex and move under the stress of high winds. The arms are designed to bend and absorb wind forces while maintaining secure attachment of the fabric to the building structure. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliability during hurricane conditions without requiring rigid, complex mounting structures.
2Reliability
If screw/bolt configurations or straps and tape are used to hold fabric, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes resilient arms for attachment to the building, a clamping mechanism to secure the fabric, and mounting features all in one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws, bolts, and straps, reducing installation complexity while maintaining strong connections through the integrated design.
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
The system effectively secures flexible materials over windows, reducing damage from wind and debris, and is adaptable to various materials and window sizes, providing a strong and resilient connection.
Implementation Method 1
the bracket being permitted to flex under stress placed on the bracket by the flexible material by means of the inclined planar portions
Data Source
AI summary
A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building with a flexible material. The system includes a bracket having a first panel and a second panel, the panels each having a surface, the first surface and the second surface of the bracket having a plurality of protrusions disposed thereon (and various embodiments thereof). Another embodiment utilizing at least one inclined planar portion connected to a planar portion of the bracket at the first edge of the inclined planar portion and an elongated member connected to the at least one inclined planar portion for securing a flexible material. A last embodiment includes a planar bracket having a first end and a second end, the planar bracket made of a resilient material. All embodiments operable to hold a flexible material (fabric, screen . . . etc.) over an opening to a building to protect the opening during a storm.