Storm Door Window Retainer Mechanism for Tool-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storm doors with large glass window units are cumbersome to replace or remove due to their weight and require specialized tools, which can obstruct aesthetically pleasing designs and complicate the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A storm door system that allows for the easy installation and removal of window units without tools, utilizing a retaining mechanism integrated into the door latch system, where the window unit is positioned and secured using a handle, and optionally includes a safety catch to prevent accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If robust fastening devices are used to secure large window units, then the window unit can be held securely in place, but special tools are required for removal and replacement operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retention of window unitVSAvoidtool-free removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The window unit is designed to be self-securing through its own weight and geometry. The bottom edge of the window unit engages with a receiving structure in the door frame, allowing the window unit to lock itself into place without requiring external fastening devices or special tools for removal and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If robust fastening devices are used to secure large window units, then the window unit can be held securely in place, but the fastening devices become obtrusive and diminish aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retention of window unitVSAvoidaesthetic appeal of door

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is extracted from the window unit itself rather than being attached to it. The receiving structure is integrated into the door frame, allowing the window unit to be secured without any obtrusive fastening devices attached to the window unit or visible on the door exterior, thereby preserving aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If window units are made large to provide adequate glass area, then natural light and aesthetics are improved, but the window units become heavier and more difficult to replace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass window areaVSAvoidwindow unit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The window unit utilizes its own weight as a securing mechanism. The bottom edge of the window unit engages with a receiving structure in the door frame, allowing the window unit to lock itself into place through its weight rather than requiring separate fastening devices, thereby enabling large glass areas without proportionally increased installation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8549789B2Hidden window retainer system for doors

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 ANDERSEN CORPORATION

AI summary

A door has a frame forming an opening of the door, a window unit rotatably attached to the frame for positioning in the opening of the frame, a retainer moveably mounted on the frame, and an operator for operating the retainer. The retainer is moveable from a released position wherein the retainer is disengaged from the window unit, to a retaining position, wherein the retainer engages the window unit to hold the window unit in the opening.