Window AC Support Bracket for Fastener-Free Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window air conditioner installation methods are cumbersome, require multiple people, and can be dangerous, with complex multi-component installations that involve unsightly mechanical fasteners and risk damage to window components.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, unitary polymeric support system with adjustable cross-members that clamps onto the air conditioner, allowing it to be easily placed into a window without external supports or metallic contact, using demarcations for customization and hand-holds for safe lifting and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners and external supports are used, then the air conditioner can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes complex, time-consuming, and requires multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated support bracket that simultaneously provides structural support, secure mounting, and protective coverage. The bracket integrates the mounting mechanism and support structure into one component that can be installed by a single person, eliminating the need for separate external supports and mechanical fasteners while maintaining secure mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the air conditioner, secures the unit to the window, protects window components from damage, and enables single-person installation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the air conditioner, then the mounting is secure, but unsightly fasteners and penetrations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates mechanical fasteners and penetrations from the mounting system. The support bracket achieves secure mounting through friction-fit engagement and distributed pressure contact with the window frame, removing the need for visible screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners that would damage or unsightly penetrate window components
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket acts as an intermediary between the air conditioner and the window frame, providing secure mounting through surface contact and friction engagement rather than direct mechanical fastening. This intermediary component distributes mounting forces across a larger area, achieving secure attachment without penetrating or damaging the window components
3Reliability
If pre-installed supports are used, then the air conditioner can be mounted securely, but components must be installed before placing the unit, requiring external access by ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by designing a support bracket that can be attached to the air conditioner first, then the entire assembly is lowered into the window opening as a single unit. This reverse installation approach eliminates the need for pre-installing supports and external ladder access, allowing secure mounting while greatly simplifying the installation process to require only ground-level access
4Strength
If metallic components are used in the support system, then structural strength is achieved, but window moldings and casings may be scratched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is constructed from composite materials that combine the structural strength needed to support the air conditioner with the non-marring properties required to protect window components. The bracket uses strong polymeric materials or metal-composite constructions that provide adequate load-bearing capacity while the exterior surfaces are made from soft, non-abrasive materials that will not scratch or damage window moldings and casings
Data Source
AI summary
A support for mounting an air conditioner for operative disposition in a window, while being free of any supports external to the window and of any metallic fastener contact with the window, includes elongated top and bottom members of lightweight construction, sized and shaped to extend parallel to an interior window sill of the window, with opposite ends of the top member extending beyond vertical side jambs of the window. First and second transverse members of polymeric molded construction extend between the top and bottom members to define a receptacle sized and shaped to slidably receive the air conditioner therein and to interferingly engage an elongated flange extending along an upper surface of the air conditioner. The top and/or bottom members include hand-holds and the top member is adjustable to accommodate windows of various sizes.