Bronze Window Assemblies with Dry Glazing Retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern construction requires energy-efficient windows that maintain the architectural style of narrow sight lines established by steel windows while providing improved thermal performance, moisture barrier, and reduced air infiltration and solar energy control.
Innovation Solution
A window system constructed from bronze and brass extrusions with a dry glazing method and unique double glass retainer attachment, incorporating snap joints and a plaster flange attachment method to integrate into modern building envelopes while maintaining the aesthetic of traditional steel windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If steel windows are used to achieve narrow sight lines and architectural style, then the architectural aesthetic is maintained, but thermal performance and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bronze and brass extrusions as composite materials that maintain the narrow profile aesthetic of steel windows while providing superior thermal performance. These materials combine the visual characteristics desired with improved energy efficiency properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from traditional steel to bronze/brass extrusions, altering thermal conductivity and other physical properties to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the same dimensional parameters and visual appearance.
2Shape
If traditional steel windows with clips and glazing putty are used, then the narrow sight line aesthetic is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bronze and brass extrusion system is designed to be self-service and maintenance-free, eliminating the need for periodic repainting or treatment that traditional steel windows require. The materials naturally resist corrosion and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing from steel to bronze/brass materials fundamentally alters the maintenance parameters, transitioning from a system requiring regular upkeep to one that is inherently durable and maintenance-free.
3Loss of energy
If modern energy efficient window construction methods are used, then thermal performance improves, but the architectural style with narrow sight lines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bronze and brass extrusion system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the narrow profile aesthetic of traditional windows, delivers modern thermal performance, and enables dry glazing construction. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between style and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of bronze and brass extrusions creates a composite construction system that integrates aesthetic, thermal, and constructional requirements into a unified solution that achieves both narrow sight lines and energy efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If dry glazing method with bronze extrusions is used, then maintenance free operation and thermal performance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dry glazing system uses segmented components including separate extrusions, retainers, and mounting mechanisms that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process despite the increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as retainers and mounting mechanisms that facilitate the dry glazing process. These intermediaries simplify assembly and manufacturing by providing standardized connection points and methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A window for engagement with a building structure having a window opening, the window is providing a perimeter frame adapted to engage the window opening of the structure. The window has at least one window pane having a window pane perimeter. The window uses multiple perimeter retainer members including an outer perimeter retainer member and an inner perimeter retainer member, the perimeter retainer members typically having opposed substantially flat walls configured to engage the outer pane surface and the inner pane surface, respectively, and perimeter clip member engaging walls. Holding the retainer members are perimeter clip members configured with a first end and a second end, at least the first end adapted to resiliently engage at least one of the perimeter retainer members and a second end to engage the other retainer member so as to maintain the retainers in spaced apart relation with the flat walls thereof flush against walls adjacent the window pane perimeter. There may be resilient sealing members adapted to engage the flat walls of the retainer members to seal the same against the window panes, the perimeter frame adapted to engage the perimeter clip members so as to hold the inner and outer perimeter retainer members fixedly adjacent the frame.