Adjustable Insulation Profile for Window Convection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door profiles with insulation channels face challenges in maintaining an optimal air gap to prevent convection currents while accommodating size variations and tolerances, which can lead to operational issues such as the window or door becoming stuck due to insufficient gap width.
Innovation Solution
A compound profile system featuring a basic profile with coupling parts, including ribs with barbs, allows for the adjustable attachment of an insulation profile that divides the space between the frame and leaf into smaller chambers, enabling the width of the air gap to be adjusted to a maximum of 2 mm, ensuring effective insulation and preventing contact between the frame and leaf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the air gap between frame and leaf is reduced to minimize convection currents, then insulation performance is improved, but the window or door may become stuck due to insufficient gap width
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation profile is designed with a movable element that can be adjusted between two positions: a retracted position that maximizes the air gap for smooth operation, and an extended position that minimizes the air gap to prevent convection currents when the window is closed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation profile is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can independently adjust. The movable portion includes elements that can be positioned at different distances from the opposite profile, allowing the air gap to be dynamically controlled without affecting the overall structural integrity of the insulation system.
2Ease of operation
If the air gap is increased to ensure smooth operation, then ease of operation is improved, but convection currents occur that reduce insulation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a movable insulation element that can be dynamically positioned to create different air gap widths. During operation, the element is retracted to maintain a larger gap for smooth movement. When closed, the element extends to reduce the gap width to a minimum that prevents convection while still allowing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap width parameter is dynamically changed based on the operational state of the window or door. The system transitions the air gap from a larger value during opening/closing operations to a smaller value during the closed state, optimizing both operational ease and insulation performance at different times.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed insulation channels are used to divide the space, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate size variations and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation profile incorporates a movable element that can adjust its position to accommodate variations in the dimensions of the frame and leaf. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain proper clearances and insulation performance even when size variations occur during manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise fixed dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the air gap parameter to vary within a certain range to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The movable insulation element can be positioned at different locations along the profile length, enabling the system to adapt to size variations while maintaining functional performance and insulation effectiveness.
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 adjustable insulation profile effectively minimizes convection currents by maintaining a narrow air gap while accommodating size variations, ensuring smooth operation and optimal insulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
the smaller the chambers, the smaller the risk that convection air currents could occur in these chambers that could negatively influence the insulation value
Implementation Method 2
the outer coupling parts of the basic profile are formed by ribs that on the sides facing each other are provided with barbs that can hook into complementary barbs located on the opposite legs of the insulation profile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Compound profile for the assembly of a frame (2) or a leaf (3) of a window or door (1), with the compound profile comprising a basic profile (4, 5) that is made up of an outer shell (6) with an outer side (6') and an inner shell (7) with an inner side (7') and one or more insulation channels (8) that connect both shells to each other, whereby the basic profile (4, 5) comprises at least one lateral side (10, 11) that joins said outer side (6') and inner side (7') to each other, characterised in that the compound profile comprises, apart from the basic profile (4, 5) an insulation profile (15), whereby the basic profile (4, 5) and/or the insulation profile (15) are provided with coupling parts (12, 19) to be able to attach the insulation profile (15) against an aforementioned lateral side (10, 11), whereby these coupling parts (12, 19) are such that they allow adjustment of the lateral position of the insulation profile (15) with respect to the relative lateral side (10, 11) of the basic profile (4, 5).