Press Fit Storm Window Resilient Bulb Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storm window systems are difficult to install and remove, and they often require mechanical attachment, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and may not effectively withstand strong winds or pressure differences, leading to potential damage or reduced insulation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A press-fit storm window system using a resilient material with a bulb and groove design that compresses to fit into a window frame, providing a reformation force to secure the window without the need for mounting hardware, and includes features for controlled blowout events to manage wind pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical attachment mounting hardware is used, then the storm window can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment hardware (screws, clips, or other fasteners) with a resilient material that uses elastic deformation to secure the window. The resilient material is compressed during installation and then expands to hold the window in place, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the resilient material through compression and expansion. During installation, the material is compressed to fit into the window frame, then it expands to provide holding force. This parameter change from compressed to expanded state enables easy installation while maintaining secure attachment without mechanical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If resilient material is compressed to fit into window frame, then installation becomes easy, but the material must withstand strong winds and pressure differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidwind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic resilient material that can compress during installation and then expand to provide continuous holding force. The material's ability to dynamically change its shape and force output allows it to both facilitate easy installation and withstand external forces like wind pressure and internal pressure differences throughout the window's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient material acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses. By compressing the material during installation, it creates a cushioning effect that continues to function during operation, absorbing wind pressures and pressure differences while maintaining the window's secure attachment to the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If press-fit design is used, then mounting hardware is eliminated, but controlled blowout events are needed to manage wind pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting hardwareVSAvoidpressure management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient material serves as an intermediary pressure management mechanism between the window and external forces. It mediates the interaction by compressing under wind pressure and then expanding to release pressure in a controlled manner, preventing dangerous pressure build-up while maintaining the simplicity of the press-fit design without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system allows for easy installation and removal of storm windows, enhances wind resistance by controlling pressure release, and maintains thermal insulation integrity even under strong wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient material with a bulb and groove design that compresses to fit into a window frame, providing a reformation force to secure the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A resilient material with a bulb and groove design that compresses to fit into a window frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9976335B2Press fit storm window system

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 R VALUE INC

AI summary

A system for mounting a panel within an existing window frame. The system includes an elongated deformable bulb, and an elongated carrier. The bulb has a resilient portion, a base section, an extension extending from the base section, and a crosspiece coupled to a distal end of the extension. The crosspiece includes a pair of shoulders at opposite ends of the crosspiece. Each shoulder protrudes laterally beyond the extension. The elongated carrier has a receiving slot opposite a panel gap. The receiving slot has a neck laterally narrower than an interior cavity of the receiving slot. The receiving slot is configured to securely receive the crosspiece of the bulb and to confine the shoulders of the crosspiece.