Window AC Support Bracket With No-Drill Adjustable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window air-conditioner installations are cumbersome and often require drilling into the home or window frame, with existing supports having lower weight ratings and limited compatibility with different units, posing risks of units falling during installation.
Innovation Solution
A universal air conditioner support bracket that attaches to the window frame without drilling, featuring adjustable wing extensions, a pivot arm system, and a cushioned support foot for secure mounting of air-conditioners up to 150 lbs, compatible with all brands and window sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling is used to install the support bracket, then the mounting stability is improved, but the structural integrity of the home is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket uses an intermediary mechanism (wing extensions that clamp onto the window frame) to achieve secure mounting without direct penetration into the structure. The bracket acts as a mediator between the air conditioner and the window frame, distributing loads through friction and mechanical interlocking rather than drilling holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional drilling-and-screwing mechanical system with a clamp-based frictional holding system. The wing extensions apply radial force against the window frame, creating sufficient friction and normal force to support the air conditioner weight without penetrating the frame material.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length support bracket is used, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different window sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket incorporates adjustable components including telescopic side rails with multiple positioning holes and an adjustable pivot arm length. These dynamic features allow the bracket to be configured for different window widths and AC unit weights, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into modular segments (front rail, side rails, pivot arm with segments) that can be independently adjusted and reconfigured. The pivot arm itself is segmented into multiple sections that can be connected at different lengths, allowing the same bracket design to serve multiple window and AC configurations without requiring custom manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If existing support brackets with lower weight ratings are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety for heavy units is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket utilizes composite construction combining multiple materials with complementary properties: aluminum or steel rails for structural strength and weight support, plastic or rubber cushioning elements for protection and friction enhancement, and reinforced pivot joints. This composite approach enables the bracket to support 150 lbs or more while maintaining a relatively simple overall design without requiring overly complex reinforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioner support bracket does not require any drilling into the home and has a higher weight rating of 150 lb. The support bracket is configurable to accommodate a wide range of window Air Conditioning unit shapes and sizes, is adaptable to a variety of opening widths, and may be tilted to support the air conditioning unit in a horizontal position.