Window Power Distribution Panel for Generator Noise and Weather Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable outdoor generators pose noise, exhaust gas, and weather intrusion risks when powering buildings through windows, and they typically provide only single-voltage outlets, limiting simultaneous device operation.

Innovation Solution

A window power distribution panel with an encasement that seals within a window frame, featuring multiple AC outlets, a CO detector, and a ground interrupt circuit to shut off the generator when CO levels exceed safety thresholds, providing secure and efficient power distribution while preventing weather intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a portable outdoor generator is used to power buildings through a window, then power supply is provided, but noise and weather intrusion risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidnoise and weather intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power distribution function into separate components: an outdoor generator and an indoor window-mounted power distribution panel. This segmentation allows the generator to remain outside (reducing noise and weather intrusion indoors) while the panel provides protected power distribution inside the building through multiple outlets and circuit breakers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window-mounted power distribution panel acts as an intermediary device between the outdoor generator and indoor electrical devices. It provides a sealed interface that transfers electrical power while blocking noise and weather elements, effectively mediating between the external generator environment and the protected indoor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single-voltage outlet is used in a generator, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to operate multiple devices simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet configurationVSAvoidsimultaneous device operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The window-mounted power distribution panel provides multiple outlets supporting both 110V and 220V configurations, enabling it to serve multiple functions and accommodate various electrical devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate diverse appliances without requiring separate single-voltage outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power distribution panel incorporates adjustable or selectable voltage configurations that can adapt to different device requirements. The system dynamically provides appropriate voltage levels (110V or 220V) based on the connected devices, enabling flexible simultaneous operation of multiple appliances with different power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If the generator is placed close to the building for power delivery, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but CO intrusion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidCO intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the power generation function from the building interior and places it outdoors, separating the CO-emitting generator from the protected indoor environment. The window-mounted panel provides the necessary power distribution interface while maintaining physical separation between the generator and building interior, thus eliminating CO intrusion risk while preserving power transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a window-mounted power panel is installed, then weather intrusion is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather intrusionVSAvoidpanel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution panel is designed to nest within the window frame structure, utilizing the existing window opening and frame. This nesting approach provides weather protection by integrating with the building's existing weather-resistant window structure, while avoiding the need for a completely separate enclosed housing that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8138430B1Window power distribution panel for exterior generator

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 UCERO JOSE

AI summary

An outdoor generator accessory comprising a window power strip, the power strip defining an encasement having a lower margin set within a window seat of a residence or commercial building, and upper margin sealed against a lower window panel, in inner surface having a plurality of AC outlets, an illumination source, circuit breakers for each outlet, and a CO detector, and a rear surface having a power inlet for connection to an outdoor electrical generator and a set of wires to be connected to the ground of the electrical generator to turn off the generator when the CO detector detects a minimal threshold amount of CO within the residence. The power strip is applied to the lower seat of the open window frame, the window panel is then closed upon the upper surface, and adjustable sliding side panels are extended to seal the power strip within the window when the power to the building is off, after which the outdoor generator may be started and run, the power cord plugged into the generator and the power inlet, with the multiple AC outlets on the inner surface providing multiple connections to power multiple AC operated electrical devices.