Asymmetric Window Frame Design for Thermal and Visual Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window systems struggle to achieve a uniform external appearance, improve heat input, and reduce condensation at the glass edge area, while also offering design flexibility and minimizing inventory and delivery time for custom variations.

Innovation Solution

A combination of pivoting, sliding, and fixed window systems with a slim, symmetrical cross-section design that includes a sash frame with a glass pane, where the inner and outer frames are aligned with precise tolerances to minimize condensation and maximize heat entry, and the use of appliques for customizable external appearances without altering the underlying material or structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the frame cross-section is made larger to improve structural integrity and provide more material for thermal insulation, then the heat transfer into the building is reduced, but the external appearance becomes less uniform and the heat radiation shadow increases causing more condensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer into buildingVSAvoidexternal appearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by creating a frame cross-section that is deliberately asymmetric in its internal structure (with different wall thicknesses on inner and outer sides) while maintaining a symmetric external appearance. The asymmetric internal geometry allows optimized thermal insulation paths and reduced heat radiation shadow on the glass, while the symmetric external轮廓 preserves visual uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing a thermal insulation core within the frame structure, where the insulation material is nested inside the frame walls. This nested configuration allows thermal insulation to be integrated without increasing the external dimensions, maintaining a slim profile while improving thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the frame projection beyond the glass surface is increased to reduce condensation, then the heat radiation shadow is reduced, but the external appearance uniformity is compromised and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation at glass edgeVSAvoidexternal appearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the local geometry of the frame at specific critical areas (such as the inner side frame projection) to reduce condensation, while keeping the overall external appearance uniform. The local geometric modification creates favorable thermal conditions at the glass edge without affecting the global visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses condensation by operating in another dimension - instead of increasing the external projection, it modifies the internal cross-sectional geometry and thermal paths. This dimensional shift allows condensation control through internal thermal management rather than external geometric expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple design variations are produced to meet customer preferences, then design flexibility is improved, but inventory complexity and delivery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign options for external appearanceVSAvoiddelivery time for custom variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the frame into modular components (such as the sash frame and jamb as distinct separable parts) that can be configured in different combinations. This segmentation allows multiple design variations to be created through modular assembly rather than producing entirely different frames, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a base frame structure that can serve multiple design purposes through configurable elements (such as different applique attachments or surface treatments). This universal base design reduces the number of unique frame variants needed in inventory while still providing customers with diverse appearance options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If the frame is made slimmer to improve external appearance uniformity and maximize heat entry, then the visual appearance and heat gain are improved, but structural integrity and thermal insulation capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal appearance uniformityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining different materials within the frame structure (such as aluminum alloy for the frame skeleton and thermal insulation materials with low thermal conductivity for the core). This composite construction allows the frame to maintain structural integrity with reduced dimensions while the insulation core compensates for the reduced thermal mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curved or rounded geometric features in the frame cross-section design, which can improve structural strength through stress distribution while maintaining a slim profile. The curved geometry provides structural efficiency without requiring thicker walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4039931A1Combination of a pivotable door or window leaf having a hollow profile of a door or window case, combination of a sliding door or a sliding window with a hollow profile of a door or window frame and fixed window part
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 JOSKO FENSTER & TUREN
  • EP4039931A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4039931A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4039931A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Combination of a pivotable door or window sash (1) with a door or window frame (2), wherein the door or window sash (1) has a sash frame (3) which supports at least one pane of glass (7) and has an inner side (11) facing an interior (10) with an inner sight width (G), wherein the door or window frame (2) has an outer side (13) facing an exterior environment (12) with a definable outer sight width (E), wherein on the inner side (11) of the sash frame (3) and/or on the outer side (13) of the door or window frame (2) an application receptacle for the circumferential reception of applications (16; 19) is provided such that the inner sight width (G) and/or the outer sight width (E) is substantially completely covered by the applications (16; 19).