Magnetic Mountable Window Cover for Skylight Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window coverings for skylights and elevated windows are often expensive, difficult to install, and prone to improper installation issues that can lead to structural damage and water leakage, while also requiring complex components that increase the risk of affecting medical devices like pacemakers due to magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A mountable cover or blind for glass/glazing panels using a lightweight material with magnetic fastener attachment to metal plates, allowing easy installation and removal, which minimizes the magnetic field exposure and eliminates the need for extensive mounting parts, motors, or reels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized coverings are installed for skylights or elevated windows, then the window covering provides proper coverage and protection, but the installation becomes expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The window covering is divided into multiple removable panels that can be individually handled and installed. Each panel can be separately attached to the window frame, making the overall installation process more manageable and less complex while ensuring proper coverage of the entire window area
Solution Approach 2:
The covering system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow flexible installation and removal. The panels can be easily attached and detached from the window frame, transforming a static, permanent installation into a dynamic, reversible system that simplifies the installation process
2Reliability
If external/outside coverings are installed, then the window covering provides protection, but improper installation can result in water leakage and structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof intermediary layer or sealing mechanism is introduced between the window frame and the covering panels. This intermediary element acts as a barrier that prevents water infiltration while allowing the covering to provide its protective function, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of water leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-installed sealing elements or waterproofing features on the covering panels before installation. These preemptive measures ensure that the covering is inherently resistant to water infiltration, preventing structural damage before it can occur
3Ease of operation
If magnetic fasteners are used for attachment, then the window covering can be easily mounted and removed, but the magnetic field can affect medical devices like pacemakers
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses weak, temporary magnetic fasteners that are sufficient for easy mounting and removal but are intentionally designed to be low-strength. These weak magnets provide the necessary holding force for the covering while minimizing magnetic field strength to a level that does not interfere with medical devices like pacemakers
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic fasteners are strategically positioned and sized to provide localized attachment only where needed for mounting the covering. By concentrating the magnetic function in small, specific locations rather than using strong magnets across the entire structure, the design achieves easy mounting while keeping magnetic field exposure minimal and safe for medical devices
4Reliability
If integrated window structures are used, then the window construct provides complete coverage, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The window covering system is segmented into separate, modular panels that can be manufactured independently and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows each panel to be produced using standard, cost-effective manufacturing processes rather than requiring expensive custom fabrication of an integrated structure, while still achieving complete coverage when the panels are assembled together
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and safe window covering that reduces solar heat and light, prevents fading, and maintains energy efficiency while being less susceptible to damage and interference with medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic fastener attachment to metal plates
Data Source
AI summary
A mountable cover provides a shade or blind for glass/glazing panels for window structures, doors, walls, elevated windows, and skylights. The mountable cover comprises a mounting frame with a panel composed of a material adapted to block at least a portion of light external to and traversing the window glass, the panel sitting parallel to and covering a portion of the window glass to block the light that has traversed the window glass. At least one fastening mechanism comprises one or more magnets and metal plates having a top wall, bottom wall and side walls. Each of the magnets is located on the mounting frame and is adapted to engage with one of the metal plates, which are mounted on the window. When brought into engagement with the metal plates the magnets and plates operate to mount the mountable cover over the window.