Modular Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Step for Window Well
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window wells are either heavy and expensive due to metal construction, prone to damage and corrosion, or lack durability and aesthetic appeal when made of plastic, necessitating a solution for a lightweight, durable, and visually attractive option that also facilitates easy installation and repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular step made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic with omnidirectional fibers, detachably affixed to a window well using flanges and mechanical fasteners or magnets, allowing for customization and easy attachment without removing the window well, along with a method for manufacturing using fabric veils for enhanced aesthetics and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal construction is used for window wells, then strength and durability are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic base material with fiber reinforcement (such as glass fibers or other structural fibers) to create a window well that achieves metal-like strength while maintaining the lightweight advantage of plastic. The composite structure allows the window well to resist impact and corrosion forces without requiring heavy metal construction.
2Strength
If metal construction is used for window wells, then strength is improved, but susceptibility to corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of plastic matrix combined with fiber reinforcement to achieve both strength and corrosion resistance. The plastic component provides inherent corrosion resistance while the fiber reinforcement maintains structural integrity, eliminating the corrosion susceptibility of metal window wells.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are used for window wells, then weight is reduced, but durability and strength decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms ordinary plastic into a high-strength material by incorporating fiber reinforcement. The composite plastic construction maintains the lightweight advantage while achieving strength levels comparable to or exceeding metal window wells through the synergistic combination of plastic matrix and reinforcing fibers.
4Ease of operation
If plastic materials are used for window wells, then ease of installation is improved, but aesthetic appeal and visual attractiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating textured surfaces or patterned finishes on specific portions of the window well to enhance aesthetic appeal. The textured construction can simulate natural materials like stone or wood while maintaining the overall plastic construction advantages of lightweight and ease of installation.
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 modular step provides a lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for window wells, enabling efficient installation and repair while ensuring safety and accessibility, with improved resistance to environmental factors and impact.
Implementation Method 1
the modular step is composed of fiber reinforced thermoplastic
Implementation Method 2
detachably affixed to a window well using flanges and mechanical fasteners or magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A modular step composed of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. The modular step has a body and two flanges and is configured in size and shape to be detachably affixed to a window well. The modular step mates to the window using a friction fit, mechanical fasteners or tabs/slots. Multiple modular steps can be attached to a single window well. The modular step can be used to facilitate egress through a window well and improves the visual aesthetics of a window well.