Modular Door Anchor Mechanism for Customizable Storm Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storm doors are difficult to remove and leave holes in the primary door frame, limiting aesthetic and functional customization, and often remain in place permanently due to their attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A modular door assembly with an anchor mechanism featuring a post element and anchor that can be selectively attached to the primary frame, allowing for easy installation and removal of the secondary door, and incorporating ornamental and functional elements such as lighting, cameras, and display panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional attachment methods (wood screws, bolts, anchors) are used to secure the storm door to the primary door frame, then the storm door is securely fixed in place, but it becomes difficult to remove and leaves holes in the primary door frame, limiting aesthetic and functional customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcustomization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a post element that is attached to the primary door frame, and a removable anchor that connects the storm door to the post element. This segmentation allows the storm door to be securely attached when needed while enabling easy removal and reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and customization flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static, permanent mounting (conventional screws and bolts) to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where the anchor can be selectively attached and detached from the post element. This dynamic capability allows the user to change the configuration between seasons or aesthetic preferences while maintaining secure attachment when installed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the storm door is permanently attached to the primary door frame, then it provides continuous protection and insulation, but it prevents aesthetic changes and functional customization of the primary door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous protectionVSAvoidaesthetic customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The post element is pre-installed on the primary door frame in a position that does not interfere with the aesthetics or functionality of the primary door. This preliminary action allows the storm door to be temporarily attached when needed for protection while leaving the primary door frame intact and aesthetically pleasing when the storm door is removed, resolving the contradiction between continuous protection and aesthetic customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional attachment methods are used, then the storm door is securely fixed, but removal is difficult and requires tools, leaving damage to the primary door frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system extracts the fastening function from permanent fixtures (screws and bolts that require tools and leave holes) and relocates it to a removable anchor that can be easily detached from the post element. This extraction allows secure fixation during use while enabling tool-free or easy removal without damaging the primary door frame, resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If functional elements (security cameras, lock keypads, video displays) are added adjacent to the door, then security and functionality are enhanced, but aesthetic qualities of the primary door are detracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional enhancementVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Functional elements such as security cameras, lock keypads, and video displays are integrated into the anchor or the storm door assembly rather than being mounted separately on the primary door frame. This merging allows functional enhancement while keeping the primary door frame aesthetically clean, as the functional elements are either hidden within the storm door structure or can be removed when the storm door is taken down for seasonal storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11808076B2Modular door

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 TANNOURY MARK

AI summary

A secondary door can be attached to a primary frame of a primary door. At least one anchor mechanism includes a post element attached to the primary frame and an anchor that can be selectively attached to the post element, the anchor includes at least one of and ornamental and a functional element. The secondary door includes a secondary frame, at least one door slab, and at least one hinge coupling the at least one door slab to the secondary frame. A least one hole is formed in the secondary door so that the post element of the anchor mechanism can extend through the at least one hole and the anchor can be attached to the post element to secure the secondary door to the primary frame. The anchor also can be attached to the post when the secondary door is not secured to the primary frame.