Window Opening Securing Apparatus with Threaded Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Securing window openings with plywood or corrugated metal sheets is time-consuming and poses a risk of injury due to the need for numerous screws or nuts, making it difficult to prepare all windows before a storm.

Innovation Solution

A securing apparatus with a tube and threaded shaft system that engages fastening locations on opposite sides of a window opening, featuring a connector, adjusting nut, and compression springs for easy installation and adjustment, allowing for rapid and secure attachment of a cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple screws or nuts are used to secure the cover, then the covering is more reliable, but the installation time increases and the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecovering securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single rod unit that spans the window opening. The rod with multiple threading positions integrates what would otherwise require multiple separate screws or nuts, allowing one component to perform the function of several fasteners while reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a spanning element across the window, provides multiple attachment points for the cover, and replaces multiple individual fasteners. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure covering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple screws or nuts are used to secure the cover, then the covering is more reliable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecovering securityVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single rod unit that spans the window opening. The rod with multiple threading positions integrates what would otherwise require multiple separate screws or nuts, allowing one component to perform the function of several fasteners while reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a spanning element across the window, provides multiple attachment points for the cover, and replaces multiple individual fasteners. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure covering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple holes are drilled for screws, then the covering is more secure, but the risk of injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecovering securityVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the drilling operation from the installation process by using a rod system that can be secured without requiring the installer to drill multiple holes. The rod spans the window opening and can be attached to existing structures or use minimal drilling, thereby removing the dangerous drilling activity from the task while still achieving secure covering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod acts as an intermediary element between the window opening and the cover. Instead of directly drilling screws through the cover into the wall (which creates injury risk), the rod serves as a intermediate spanning element that distributes the fastening function across the opening, reducing the need for dangerous drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables quick and safe installation of window covers, reducing the time and effort required to secure multiple windows and minimizing the risk of injury from drilling or screwing.

Implementation Method 1

A compression spring is disposed in the tube between the first end cap and the threaded shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A threaded shaft is disposed in the tube and projects from the second end through the end cap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS7243467B2Apparatus for securing an opening with a removable cover

Publication Date: 2007.07.17 MARTIN ROBERT C JR

AI summary

A securing apparatus for securing a cover in a window opening, the securing apparatus engages fastening locations on opposite sides of a window opening. The securing apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A connector is disposed on the tube at the first end. A precut tube is attached to the connector to engage one of the fastening locations. An end cap is rigidly fixed to the tube at the second end. A threaded shaft is disposed in the tube and projects from the second end through the end cap. A mounting tube is rigidly attached to the threaded shaft, the mounting tube engages another of the fastening locations. An adjusting nut is disposed on the threaded shaft between the end cap and the mounting tube, the adjusting nut adjusts a position of the mounting tube with respect to the tube.