Suction-Based Window Boarding System for Damage-Free Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for boarding up windows, such as using screws or nails, damage the structure and appearance of walls or doors due to penetration and abrasion, and require costly repairs, while interference fit clips also cause damage and premature aging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing suction assemblies with concave suction members and pumps to securely attach board-sheets to windows without affixing to the structure, using shields to prevent fastener penetration and supports with ledges to hold the board-sheets, allowing for easy removal without damaging the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or nails are used to secure boards to windows, then the window glass is protected from breakage, but the wall or door structure is damaged due to penetration and requires costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws, nails, interference fit clips) with a suction-based attachment system. The suction member creates a vacuum seal against the window surface, holding the board in place without penetrating or abrasionally contacting the wall or door structure, thereby eliminating structure damage while maintaining window protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a suction assembly that uses pneumatic pressure differentials to attach the board to the window. The pump removes air from the chamber formed by the concave suction member and window surface, creating a vacuum that presses the board against the window without requiring mechanical fasteners that would damage the underlying structure
2Reliability
If interference fit clips are used to secure boards, then the window glass is protected, but the wall or door frame is abraded and torn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interference fit clipping system with a suction-based attachment system. The suction member creates a vacuum seal that holds the board without requiring the board to be tightly wedged between the board and wall/door frame, thereby eliminating the abrasion and tearing caused by interference fit clips
3Ease of operation
If boards are removed after protection, then the window can be accessed, but damage to the wall or door is inevitable due to fastener removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent mechanical fastening with a reversible suction-based attachment system. The board can be easily removed by releasing the vacuum seal without leaving holes, splintering, or cracking in the wall or door structure, allowing for easy window access while preventing structure damage upon removal
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 system effectively protects windows from damage without harming the structure, eliminating the need for costly repairs and maintaining the appearance of the building, as it uses suction to attach and detach the board-sheets without causing penetration or abrasion.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to draw air out of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The suction member is configured to be releasably sealed against the surface when air is removed from the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation for a system for protecting a surface is disclosed. The foundation comprises a base, a suction assembly, a shield and one or more supports. The suction assembly may include a suction member having a rim, and a pump. The suction member is configured to be releasably sealed against the surface. The shield may be mounted to the outer face of the base. The shield is disposed opposite to the suction member and is configured to obstruct penetration by a fastener into the portion of the outer face covered by the shield. The one or more supports are mounted to the outer face. Each support includes a ledge that extends outward from the base. Also disclosed is a system for boarding-up a window disposed in a structure.