Custom Storm Window Frames for Fast Protective Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door protection systems for severe weather and security are costly, time-consuming, and affect the aesthetic appearance of buildings, with varying protection needs across different levels of a structure and difficulty in uniformity and ease of application.
Innovation Solution
A customizable window and door system with a frame that allows for different levels of protection through customizable glazing and insertable screw bosses, enabling easy attachment of panels or fabrics for weather and security, maintaining a uniform exterior appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent bars or window covering are installed for security protection, then security is improved, but installation cost and impact on appearance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window protection system is divided into separate components: the window frame, the panel, and the fastening mechanism. This allows the protection system to be installed independently without modifying the window structure permanently, reducing installation complexity while maintaining security effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system transitions from static permanent installations to dynamic removable panels. The panels can be quickly installed and removed as needed, providing security protection only when required, thus avoiding permanent aesthetic impact while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If plywood is attached over framing for storm protection, then protection against flying debris is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-cut to match window dimensions and include pre-attached fastening mechanisms. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site measurements and installations, allowing rapid deployment during storms while maintaining effective protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels incorporate self-fastening mechanisms that allow homeowners to install them without professional help or complex tools. The design enables quick self-installation by ordinary homeowners, dramatically reducing installation time while ensuring adequate storm protection.
3Reliability
If impact resistant glass is used for hurricane protection, then protection level is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making all windows uniformly expensive impact-resistant, the system applies protection locally only where needed based on hurricane zone requirements and security concerns. This selective approach reduces overall cost while maintaining adequate protection levels at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses affordable, replaceable panels instead of expensive permanent impact glass. These panels can be quickly installed and removed, and if damaged, can be replaced without replacing entire windows, significantly reducing the cost of hurricane protection while maintaining effective shield against storms.
4Reliability
If different protection levels are applied to different windows, then protection effectiveness is improved, but uniformity of appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed to be translucent or transparent, allowing them to blend with the window appearance when installed. This maintains the uniform aesthetic of the building exterior while providing different levels of protection as needed, resolving the conflict between effectiveness and appearance uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to visually replicate the appearance of the window glass they cover, making them nearly indistinguishable from the original window when installed. This copying approach allows different protection levels to be applied without affecting the uniform appearance of the building facade.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable storm protection system for protection and aesthetics comprises a first jamb, a second jamb, a header, and a sill, each with a glazing recess, and each with a receptacle for inserting a screw boss that runs a length of each of the first jamb, the second jamb, the header, and the sill, wherein joined define a frame for the opening in a building. A customizable storm protection system may further comprise glazing received by the glazing recess of each of the first jamb, the second jamb, the header, and the sill. A customizable storm protection system may further comprise a storm track configured to the frame to, wherein the storm track identifies fastener locations for the screw boss within the frame, and wherein the storm track comprises a cap, a stanchion, and an attachment layer for attachment to the frame. The system enables different openings in a building to be individually customized for different types of storm protection while maintaining a uniform exterior appearance.