Adjustable Door Frame Thermal Break for Variable Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common door openings experience thermal and air leakage, leading to higher energy costs and requiring different door frames for walls of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable door frame with adjustable segments and thermal barriers that can fit various wall thicknesses, comprising elongated frame segments with adjustable connectors and thermal insulation to minimize heat conduction and air infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional door frames are used, then installation is simple, but thermal conduction and air leakage occur leading to higher energy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The door frame is divided into multiple segments including an outer frame segment, an inner frame segment, and a soffit segment. These segments are connected by adjustable connectors that allow for thermal breaks between segments, reducing thermal conduction while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation enables insertion of thermal barrier materials at the joints between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barrier materials are introduced as intermediary elements between the outer and inner frame segments. These thermal barriers act as mediators that block heat transfer pathways while allowing the frame segments to remain connected structurally. The adjustable connectors facilitate the insertion and positioning of these thermal barrier intermediaries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional door frames are used, then manufacturing is standard, but different wall thicknesses require different door frames
Solution Approach 1:
The door frame incorporates adjustable connectors that enable dynamic adjustment of the frame configuration to match different wall thicknesses. The connectors allow the outer and inner frame segments to be positioned at varying distances from each other, adapting the frame to walls of different thicknesses while maintaining a consistent basic frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic door frame design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates different wall thicknesses through adjustable connectors, and enables thermal insulation through segmented construction. This multi-functionality allows a single frame design to replace multiple fixed-size frames, improving versatility while managing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If adjustable segments with thermal barriers are used, then thermal conduction is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. The thermal barriers are integrated into specific segments or positioned at segment interfaces, allowing for standardized manufacturing of individual components while achieving thermal protection through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barriers are pre-installed or pre-positioned within the frame segments before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that thermal protection is built into the structure during manufacturing, reducing the complexity of on-site assembly while maintaining effective thermal and air infiltration protection.
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
Reduces thermal conduction and air leakage, providing energy efficiency and flexibility in fitting different wall thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal barriers between a portion of the at least one first frame segment and a portion of the at least one second frame segment
Data Source
AI summary
A frame may comprise three or more portions comprising an upper portion disposed adjacent an upper end of an opening and two side portions disposed along either edge of the opening, and in some cases a lower portion adjacent a lower end of an opening. A first frame segment and the second frame segment are adjustable with respect to each other in order to extend around the thickness of the opening. A third segment, such as a soffit segment may be utilized to cover at least a portion of the segments. The first frame segment, the second frame segment, and/or the soffit segment may have one or more barriers located between portions of the segments. The first frame segment may be adjusted with respect to the second frame segment, and the adjustment may be made before or after activation of the one or more barriers.