Window Seal Insert with Toggle Latch for Water Penetration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window seals for horizontal sliding windows are prone to wear and degradation, leading to ineffective water prevention during severe weather conditions, as they are subject to abrasion and debris accumulation, causing wind-driven rain to penetrate into buildings.
Innovation Solution
A water penetration prevention system featuring a window seal insert with engaging portions and seal engaging members, such as toggle latch spreaders or pneumatic seals, that apply forces to create a watertight seal between the window, sliding door, and vertical track, even in dirty or debris-filled conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seals are used in horizontal sliding windows, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of water prevention deteriorates during severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is divided into multiple components: a seal member with compressible material, a retainer holding the seal member, and a separate engaging member that applies additional force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member is designed to be selectively positionable between a first position (normal operation) and a second position (severe weather protection). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different weather conditions, providing enhanced sealing force only when needed, thus improving reliability without requiring constant high complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If seals are subjected to abrasion and debris accumulation, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the durability of the sealing capability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible material in the seal member acts as a cushion that compensates for wear and debris accumulation before they compromise the seal. This pre-built cushioning capacity extends the duration of effective sealing by absorbing the effects of abrasion and debris that occur during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system changes the parameter of sealing force by allowing the engaging member to apply additional force when needed. This parameter adjustment compensates for the degradation caused by abrasion and debris, maintaining sealing effectiveness over extended periods without requiring replacement of the entire seal.
3Area of moving object
If wind-driven water is forced by degraded seals, then the area of the window opening is maintained, but the loss of substance increases due to water penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system performs preliminary sealing action by positioning the engaging member in the second position before severe weather conditions cause water penetration. This advance preparation ensures that the seal is already enhanced and ready to resist wind-driven rain, preventing water loss before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member applies preliminary counter-force to the seal member, creating an opposing force that resists the incoming wind-driven water pressure. This preliminary anti-action prevents water penetration by establishing a defensive sealing barrier before the harmful force acts on the window.
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 prevents water penetration by ensuring a sealing engagement between the window, sliding door, and track, maintaining a watertight seal even in severe weather, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of window seals.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one seal engaging member, in the second position, applies a force on at least one of the first side of the insert and the second side of the insert that causes the at least one of the first side of the insert and the second side of the insert to sealingly engage a corresponding one of the window and a vertical wall of the track
Data Source
AI summary
A water penetration prevention system includes an insert for being positioned along a track for a window, the insert having a first engaging portion disposed on a first side of the insert and a second engaging portion disposed on a second side of the insert. The system also includes a seal engaging member disposed between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the seal engaging member being selectively positionable between a first position that a second position. The seal engaging member, in the second position, applies a force on at least one of the first side of the insert and the second side of the insert that causes the at least one of the first side of the insert and the second side of the insert to sealingly engage a corresponding one of the window and a vertical wall of the track.