Safety chains to prevent window frames from falling
Chair Professor Michael Hung and Dr Ralph Ip of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management have designed a safety chain fixture that can prevent aluminium windows from falling. The researchers embarked on the project upon invitation by the Housing Department, HKSAR, to tackle the problem of falling window frames, after a number of such incidents occurred in town in recent months. Easy-to-install and unobtrusive, the safety chain offers a practical and inexpensive quick-fix solution to prevent problematic windows from falling.
Using simple materials of steel chain and clinchnuts, Professor Hung said, “The materials of our safety chain device are remarkably inexpensive, and the installation
distinctly simple. We believe that the fixture will be widely accepted among local households.” Installation of a safety chain takes about five minutes. Two chains are recommended for one window frame. The time needed for completing installation for a household with 10 windows approximates one to two hours. Material cost for one safety chain is less than HK$10.“Safety chains are merely remedial measures,” said Professor Hung, “To effectively tackle the problem of falling window frames, more work can be done to improve the bar hinge design of aluminium windows.”