Angled Connection Piece for Window Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical connections between window or door frame posts and members, especially with large depths, suffer from gaps due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to water ingress and compromised thermal insulation, and previous solutions weaken the reinforcement chamber or create pathways for water entry.

Innovation Solution

A connection piece with a tubular body, shoulder portion, and pen or protrusion, allowing secure and watertight attachment of posts to frame members without disrupting the reinforcement chamber, using a screw that abuts the post and frame member surfaces at an angle, ensuring precise alignment and preventing sliding motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a connection piece is inserted in the reinforcement chamber and screwed through a reinforcing element, then mechanical connection between post and frame member is achieved, but the reinforcement integrity is weakened and water can enter the reinforcement chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidreinforcement integrity and water protection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece serves as an intermediary element that connects the post and frame member without requiring screws to penetrate the reinforcement chamber. The tubular body of the connection piece fits into a recess in the frame member, while the pen engages with a corresponding feature on the post, creating a mechanical connection that preserves the sealed reinforcement chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If posts are mechanically attached to frame members with large depths, then connection is achieved, but gaps occur due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to water ingress and reduced thermal insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidseal integrity against water ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece design incorporates a pen that can move within its engagement feature, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of the post and frame member while maintaining continuous contact and seal integrity. This dynamic capability prevents gap formation during temperature cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A seal element is integrated into the connection piece, providing a flexible barrier that maintains water tightness despite relative movements between the post and frame member due to thermal effects. The seal ensures continuous protection against water ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the depth of posts is increased, then structural performance is improved, but the risk of gap occurrence between posts and frame members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural performanceVSAvoidalignment precision between post and frame member
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece is designed with predetermined engagement features including a tubular body that fits into a recess and a pen that engages with a corresponding feature. This preliminary configuration ensures precise alignment and positioning of the post relative to the frame member before final assembly, eliminating gaps regardless of post depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a secure, long-lasting, watertight connection that maintains the integrity of the reinforcement chambers and effectively seals the interface between posts and frame members, even in frames with large depths, minimizing water ingress and maintaining thermal insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a screw extending through the tubular body, with a screw head seated next to the proximal end of the tubular body and a screw tip extending through the tubular body next to, yet askew in view of the pen or protrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a shoulder portion provided at the proximal end of the tubular body configured to abut a sidewall of a first post or frame member, said shoulder portion defining an abutment extending in a plane askew from the X-X axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4077857B1Connection piece for connecting a post with a frame member and window or door frame comprising such connection piece
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 DECEUNINCK NV
  • EP4077857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4077857B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4077857B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A connection piece for connecting a post with either a frame member; a sash member or one or more other posts, the connection piece comprising: - a tubular body defining a through hole, the tubular body extending along an axis X-X and having a proximal end and a distal end; - a shoulder portion provided at the proximal end of the tubular body configured to abut a sidewall of a first post or frame member, said shoulder portion defining an abutment extending in a plane askew from the X-X axis; - a pen or protrusion provided at or near the distal end of the tubular body and extending in a direction Y askew to the X-X axis; and - a screw extending through the tubular body, with a screw head seated next to the proximal end of the tubular body and a screw tip extending through the tubular body next to, yet askew in view of the pen or protrusion.