Adaptable Fenestration Frame Members for Pocket Installations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers face increased costs and complexity due to the need for different frame member profiles to accommodate fenestration units in variously shaped building openings, requiring separate inventory for pocket and non-pocket installations.

Innovation Solution

Adaptable fenestration frame members with an adaptation channel that converts an outside corner to an inside corner, allowing a single universal frame member to be used for both pocket and non-pocket installations, featuring a body with a jamb face, sash face, and channels for trim and extension jamb adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different frame member profiles are manufactured for pocket and non-pocket installations, then the fenestration units can be properly installed in variously shaped building openings, but the inventory requirements and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different building opening shapesVSAvoidframe member profile variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame member incorporates a dynamic adaptation channel with removable walls that allow the frame to change its configuration from an outside corner profile to an inside corner profile. This dynamic modification enables a single frame member design to serve multiple installation scenarios (pocket and non-pocket installations) without requiring separate profiles, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation channel is segmented into removable wall portions that can be selectively removed to transform the frame member's corner configuration. This segmentation allows the frame to be adapted to different building opening shapes by removing specific wall segments, enabling one frame member to replace multiple specialized profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate frame members are maintained for pocket and non-pocket installations, then proper installation in various openings is ensured, but inventory costs and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation suitabilityVSAvoidframe member inventory variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frame member is designed with universal adaptability through the inclusion of an adaptation channel that can be modified to suit both pocket and non-pocket installations. By incorporating this multi-functional capability into a single frame member design, the patent eliminates the need to maintain separate inventory for different installation types, reducing the quantity of different frame member profiles required while ensuring reliable installation in various building opening configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10895101B1Adaptable fenestration frame members and methods

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 ANDERSEN CORPORATION

AI summary

Adaptable fenestration frame members, fenestration units using the frame members, and methods of adapting the fenestration frame members. The adaptable fenestration frame members provide a construction that is adaptable for use in both pocket and non-pocket installations by including an adaptation channel forming an outside corner along one edge of the fenestration frame member. Removal of the outside corner converts that portion of the frame member from an outside corner to an inside corner, thus adapting the frame member for use in a pocket installation.