Storm Shutter Bracket with Anchor and Retention Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storm shutter systems, both permanent and temporary, face challenges such as requiring professional installation, aesthetic impact, and instability during extreme weather conditions, with gaps allowing water, debris, and wind entry, and difficulties in removal causing damage.

Innovation Solution

A storm shutter attachment system featuring an anchor pin and adjustable retention pin that securely anchors a storm shutter to a building without drilling through it, using an elongated shaft and through-hole configuration with complementary ridges for stability and a multipurpose tool for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent storm shutters are installed, then protection against extreme weather is improved, but aesthetic quality and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against extreme weatherVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storm shutter system is divided into separate components: a bracket assembly that anchors to the building and a shutter panel that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows the bracket to be permanently installed while the shutter panel can be easily attached and removed, combining the reliability of permanent installation with the ease of temporary deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly serves as an intermediary between the building structure and the storm shutter panel. It provides a stable anchor point that simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex direct attachment methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If temporary storm shutters are installed using clips, then ease of installation is improved, but stability during extreme weather deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstability during extreme weather

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the anchoring function (performed by the bracket assembly anchored to the building) from the shutter attachment function (performed by the panel attaching to the bracket). This allows the bracket to provide stable, weather-resistant anchoring while the panel attachment remains simple and easy to install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly includes a curved or angled component that allows the shutter panel to be attached at an optimal angle, improving both the ease of installation and the stability during weather conditions by distributing forces more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If plywood is installed adjacent to window using screws, then ease of installation is improved, but seal quality and building surface damage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidgaps allowing water and debris entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary that holds the shutter panel in place without requiring screws to be driven through the panel into the building. This eliminates the creation of porous holes in the plywood while maintaining secure attachment and preventing gaps that would allow water and debris entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the traditional screw-attachment mechanism with a bracket-based mechanical hold-down system. This substitution eliminates the need to drill holes through the plywood, preserving the seal quality while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If clips are used to retain plywood, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and ease of removal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the attachment mechanism into two parts: a bracket assembly that remains anchored to the building and a shutter panel that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows for easy installation of the panel while maintaining reliable anchoring, and enables simple removal by detaching the panel from the bracket without damaging the building surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10988976B2Storm shutter bracket and attachment system

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 WORTEC LLC

AI summary

A storm shutter attachment system that provides for the temporary installation of a storm shutter against a window or a door during a period of extreme weather conditions, such as a hurricane or a tornado. The storm shutter utilizes an anchor pin and a retention pin to securely install within a building and exert a force against a storm shutter. A plurality of anchor pins and retention pins may be used to displace the pressure across the storm shutter, further protecting the window or door. A multipurpose tool is also provided that is couplable to the retention pin of the attachment system, allowing for a simple installation of the attachment system without requiring a professional.