Resilient Storm Window Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm window systems are difficult to install and remove, and they often fail to securely attach to window frames, especially under external forces like strong winds, leading to reduced thermal insulation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A storm window design featuring a resilient support made of deformable materials that compresses to fit into the window frame, providing a reformation force and frictional hold without the need for mounting hardware, and includes features for controlled blowout events to prevent dislodgment during strong winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storm windows are mechanically attached with mounting hardware, then they can be securely attached to window frames, but they become difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mounting hardware entirely from the storm window system. Instead of mechanical attachments, the window relies on the resilient support's elastic deformation and friction against the window frame to achieve secure attachment, making installation and removal trivial while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient support automatically secures the storm window to the frame through its own elastic properties. When the window is inserted, the resilient support deforms and exerts frictional force against the frame, creating a self-securing mechanism that requires no additional hardware or assembly steps
2Ease of operation
If storm windows use see-through plastic sheets taped or attached to window casings, then they can be easily installed, but they fail to securely attach under external forces like strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient support is pre-configured with specific elastic properties and geometric dimensions that enable it to exert sufficient frictional force against the window frame. This preliminary design ensures that when the window is installed, the frictional hold is automatically adequate to resist external forces like strong winds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the resilient support's material properties (elastic modulus, friction coefficient) and geometric parameters (cross-sectional shape, dimensions) to optimize the frictional force. By carefully selecting these parameters, the window achieves secure attachment under wind loads while maintaining easy installation
3Ease of operation
If storm windows are held in place by frictional force from resilient support, then they can be easily installed without hardware, but they may dislodge under strong external forces without controlled blowout features
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled blowout features (relief vents or selective weakening) are pre-designed into the storm window to prevent catastrophic failure. When external forces exceed the frictional hold, these features allow controlled pressure equalization or localized failure that prevents the entire window from dislodging
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient support's elastic deformation capacity acts as a cushion that absorbs and dissipates energy from external forces. The material's hysteresis and damping properties provide beforehand cushioning that reduces the impact of wind loads before they can cause dislodgment
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
Enables easy installation and secure attachment of storm windows, maintaining thermal insulation and preventing damage from external forces by allowing controlled release of pressure, thus ensuring the window remains securely in place.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient support made of deformable materials that compresses to fit into the window frame, providing a reformation force
Implementation Method 2
providing a reformation force and frictional hold without the need for mounting hardware
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storm window having a controlled blowout mechanism. In some embodiments a blowout from wind pressure is controlled by the shape and orientation of a rigid window panel. Other embodiments include a venting portion with the storm window. Other embodiments rely on variation in restorative force within resilient material used to make the storm window.