Suction Cup Window Board-Up Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for boarding up building structures often damage the surfaces by requiring screws or nails, which is undesirable for weather protection or security purposes.
Innovation Solution
A board-up assembly using a mounting device with a suction cup that attaches to smooth surfaces, allowing a framing member and blocking member to be secured without direct nailing or screwing into the structure, utilizing suction pressure and fasteners for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws or nails are used to attach blocking material to the building structure, then the blocking material can be securely fastened, but the building structure surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting device acts as an intermediary between the blocking material and the building structure. The mounting device includes a suction cup that attaches to the smooth surface (window/glass) and a bracket that holds the blocking material, thereby preventing direct contact between fasteners and the building structure surface
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system (screws/nails) is replaced with a suction-based mounting system. The suction cup creates attachment through vacuum pressure rather than mechanical penetration, eliminating surface damage while maintaining secure attachment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mounting device with suction cup is used to attach to smooth surfaces, then the building structure surface is not damaged, but the attachment may be less secure on rough or porous surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to create a localized smooth attachment surface on the suction cup that contacts only the smooth window surface, while the rest of the system (bracket, blocking material) can accommodate various configurations. The suction interface is specifically optimized for smooth surfaces while the overall system remains adaptable
3Stability of the object's composition
If fastening elements such as nails or screws are used to secure the framing member and blocking member, then the structural integrity of the board-up assembly is improved, but the building structure may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mounting device (with suction cup and bracket) that interfaces with the building structure, and the blocking assembly (framing member and blocking material) that provides protection. Fasteners are used only within the blocking assembly segment, not for attaching to the building structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device bracket serves as an intermediary that receives the blocking assembly via fasteners while the mounting device itself attaches to the building structure through suction only, isolating the fastening action from direct contact with the building structure surface
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 boarding up of structures without damaging the surfaces, providing effective protection against break-ins, vandalism, and weather-related damage while maintaining the integrity of the building.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting device configured to attach to a glass or other smooth, non-porous surface (e.g. window) of a building structure, via suction pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A window board-up assembly comprises a mounting device including a bracket, a suction cup configured to attach the framing bracket to a smooth surface, such as a glass window of a building, and a suction cup actuator handle for creating suction pressure between the glass window and the suction cup. The mounting device is configured to securely hold a framing member for attachment of a blocking member to board-up the window.