Polycarbonate Window Protector with Buckled Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective window protector devices that can protect windows during major storm events without requiring professional installation, as existing solutions like impact-rated glass and storm shutters are expensive and labor-intensive, and current alternatives such as plywood and shutters face challenges with weight, installation complexity, and light blockage.
Innovation Solution
A window protector device featuring a polycarbonate receptacle and panel system with a two-sided adhesive and buckled straps that can be easily installed into a double-hung tilt-wash window frame, allowing for lightweight, tool-free, and impact-resistant protection without obstructing light or requiring extensive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impact rated glass is used to protect windows during storms, then window protection and safety are improved, but installation cost and structural complexity increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into separate components: a removable polycarbonate panel that fits into the existing window groove, separate from the window frame structure. This allows protection without modifying or adding to the structural framing, eliminating the need for additional brackets and fasteners while maintaining reliable storm protection
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is extracted from the permanent window structure and implemented as a removable panel that can be inserted into the existing groove. This separates the protection mechanism from the structural framing, avoiding the need for additional structural components while maintaining protection reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If plywood is used as a window protector, then cost is reduced, but weight and handling difficulty increase requiring multiple people and permits
Solution Approach 1:
The material is changed from dense plywood to polycarbonate, which has different physical properties including lower density and higher strength-to-weight ratio. This parameter change reduces the weight from requiring multiple people to handle to being manageable by one person, while maintaining protection effectiveness and reducing the need for permits
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multi-wall polycarbonate, a composite material structure that provides high strength and rigidity with low weight. This composite structure achieves the protective function without the heavy weight of traditional plywood, eliminating the need for multiple installers and special permits
3Reliability
If traditional storm shutters are installed, then window protection is improved, but installation complexity and light blockage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polycarbonate panel is made translucent rather than opaque, allowing light to pass through while maintaining protection. This optical property change preserves illumination intensity inside the home during storms, unlike traditional opaque shutters and plywood that completely block light
Solution Approach 2:
The thin polycarbonate panel acts as a flexible yet strong barrier that protects the window while allowing light transmission. Unlike rigid opaque shutters, this thin film-like structure provides protection without blocking illumination, maintaining visibility during storm events
4Reliability
If plywood with fastening systems is used, then protection is achieved, but permanent holes and marks are left on the house requiring repair
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted into a removable panel that uses the existing groove as its mounting structure, eliminating the need for additional fastening systems that would create holes and marks. The panel is held in place by the groove geometry itself, preventing damage to the house exterior
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure that provides the mounting function without requiring penetration of the house exterior. The panel interfaces with this existing groove feature, avoiding the need for lag bolts, anchors, or other fasteners that would create permanent holes and marks requiring repair
5Reliability
If professional installation is required for window protectors, then installation reliability is improved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with features that enable the homeowner to install it themselves without professional help. The groove-fit design and simple retention mechanism allow easy installation and removal by the end user, eliminating the need for professional installers while maintaining proper installation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is segmented into a simple panel and groove interface that can be easily handled and installed by one person. This segmentation into manageable components with simple connection geometry enables DIY installation, reducing both time loss and installation cost while maintaining reliability
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 device provides effective wind and impact resistance, is easy to install by homeowners, and maintains visibility, with demonstrated ability to withstand high wind speeds without damaging the window locking system or leaving permanent marks.
Implementation Method 1
a two-sided adhesive material with removable protective paper thereon, a first side of the adhesive material being disposed on the front surface of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A window protector device and method is provided that includes a polycarbonate receptacle configured to be received in an outermost groove of a double-hung tilt-wash window frame, a multi-wall polycarbonate rectangular cuboid panel configured for being received in said receptacle via a two sided adhesive material, the device being coupled to double-hung tilt window sashes via buckled straps disposed in horizontally oriented slotted apertures with the straps sandwiched between the receptacle and the panel, with the ends of the straps extending outwardly from the panel for strapping onto the respective window sashes.