Modular Window Well Insert Using Long Fiber Reinforced Plastic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window wells are often heavy, expensive, and prone to damage due to their metal composition, and plastic alternatives lack durability and strength, while also being aesthetically unappealing and difficult to repair.

Innovation Solution

The development of modular window well inserts made from long fiber reinforced thermoplastic, which are lightweight, durable, and aesthetically versatile, allowing for easy attachment to existing window wells and enabling repair without full replacement by using a recessed section for mating and omnidirectional fibers for enhanced strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal window wells are used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials (plastic with fiberglass reinforcement) to create a window well that combines the strength characteristics of metal with the weight advantages of plastic. The fiberglass reinforcement provides structural strength while the plastic matrix keeps the overall weight low, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If metal window wells are used, then strength is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The window well is designed as a modular unit that can be segmented into replaceable sections. When damage occurs, only the affected module needs to be replaced rather than the entire structure, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining overall strength through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If plastic window wells are used, then weight is reduced and ease of repair is improved, but strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of plastic matrix reinforced with fiberglass fibers. This combination maintains the weight advantages and ease of repair of plastic while the fiberglass reinforcement provides the necessary strength and structural integrity, resolving the strength deficiency of plain plastic window wells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If metal window wells are used, then strength is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic window well can be manufactured in various colors and finishes, including options that mimic natural materials like stone or wood. This provides aesthetic versatility that metal window wells cannot achieve, while the fiberglass reinforcement ensures sufficient strength is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS11834849B2Modular insert for a window well

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 ROCKWELL LLC

AI summary

A modular window well insert is composed of a long fiber reinforced plastic. The modular insert has at least some fibers that are omnidirectional relative to the other fibers in the plastic. The window well insert is configured in size and shape to be attached to an existing window well, having a matching width and depth of the existing window well. In some instances, the module well insert also has a recessed section that facilitates mating the window well insert to the window well.