Storm Window Clip Mounting and Bulb Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storm window installation methods are cumbersome and difficult, especially with heavy double-glazed panels, which are challenging to handle and install due to their weight, and do not provide adequate sound abatement and sealing.
Innovation Solution
The use of mounting clips around the prime window frame to securely attach a storm window, combined with flexible seals for a complete seal and enhanced sound abatement, allowing for quick and reliable installation with reduced installer skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If double glazed glass panels are used to enhance sound abatement, then sound abatement performance is improved, but the weight of the glass panels increases substantially making them difficult to slide
Solution Approach 1:
The storm window is divided into multiple separate glass panels instead of using one large heavy panel. This segmentation allows the use of double glazed construction for sound abatement while keeping each individual panel light enough to be easily handled and slid by users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If one large single or double glazed glass panel is used to cover the entire window opening for effective noise abatement, then sound abatement is improved, but the storm window becomes heavy and difficult or cumbersome to install
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple smaller glass panels that can be separately manufactured and easily installed. Each panel is lightweight despite using double glazed construction for noise abatement, making the overall system both effective and easy to install.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional side-mounted storm windows to a top-mounted configuration. The glass panels are supported from the top frame member, allowing them to hang vertically and be easily installed by simply placing them into position from the top, rather than maneuvering heavy panels from the sides.
3Device complexity
If traditional fasteners and sealants are used to attach the storm window, then the installation method is simple, but the seal is not complete and reliable enough to block water, air, and provide enhanced sound abatement
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible resilient seals are used between the glass panels and the frame to create a complete and reliable seal. These flexible seals conform to the mating surfaces and provide effective sealing against water, air, and noise while maintaining ease of installation through the snap-fit clip system.
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 solution provides a stable, easy-to-install storm window system that effectively blocks water and air, enhances sound abatement, and simplifies the installation process, even with heavy glass panels.
Implementation Method 1
Bulb seals or other flexible or resilient seals are provided between the interior frame surfaces of the storm window and exterior surfaces of the prime window to provide a complete and reliable seal
Implementation Method 2
mounting clips at predetermined locations around the frame of the prime window. The storm window frame is configured to be snapped onto the clips
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method of installing a storm window in a prime window includes application of locking clips at predetermined locations around the frame of the prime window. The storm window is positioned over the prime window and swung into place, whereupon the storm window frame snaps and is locked into place by the clips. Bulb seals around the storm window frame compress between the storm window frame and the frame of the prime window to insure a complete and reliable seal against the elements and maximize sound abatement.