Pivoting Casement Closure with Inter-Engaging Bracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door systems lack a load-bearing structural closure that provides an enhanced shared plane assembly with maximum opening capabilities while maintaining weatherproofing and a clean, straight-line appearance.

Innovation Solution

A closure assembly featuring a frame with tracks extending from jamb to jamb, incorporating pivoting casement style members with inter-engaging members for bracing against loads, and a multiple segment shaft for accurate installation and alignment, allowing for maximum opening and secure closure with minimal visible hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple casement style closures are used to provide large window areas for light, then illumination intensity is improved, but structural load bearing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroom lightingVSAvoidstructural load bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into multiple individually pivoting casement members that can operate independently. Each closure member is a separate unit with its own pivot mechanism, allowing the system to span large areas while maintaining structural integrity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple closure members merge to form a continuous shared plane when closed, creating a unified load-bearing surface. The inter-engaging members at the free ends of adjacent closures work together to brace the entire assembly, combining individual weak elements into a strong collective structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If closures are pivoted to maximum opening position for entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum opening capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system transitions dynamically between closed and fully open states. When open, the inter-engaging members activate to brace the closures in their pivoted position, providing temporary structural support. When closed, the same members maintain the continuous shared plane, adapting the structural configuration to each operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inter-engaging members act as intermediaries that connect adjacent closure members at their free ends. These members transfer and distribute loads between closures, providing mutual support and maintaining system stability whether closures are open or closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If inter-engaging members are added to brace closures against wind loads, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to wind loadsVSAvoidclosure assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inter-engaging members perform multiple functions: they connect adjacent closure members, brace closures against wind loads, and maintain the continuous shared plane appearance when closed. This multi-functionality adds strength without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inter-engaging members are integrated into the existing closure member structure, with pivot mechanisms and connection points incorporated within the overall assembly. This nesting approach minimizes additional external hardware while achieving the bracing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If tracks extend full-length from jamb to jamb for guided movement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguided movement capabilityVSAvoidtrack alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The track system is segmented into sections that can be manufactured and installed separately, then assembled to form the complete jamb-to-jamb guidance path. This reduces the precision requirements for any single manufacturing operation while maintaining overall guidance accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9316042B2Load bearing structural closure system

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 ONTARIO LIMITED

AI summary

A closure assembly comprising at least two closures moveable in a closure frame, said closure frame including a header, sill and including a track sized to extend the full-length the header and sill thereby providing for guided movement of each individual closure to the maximum extent to and from a fully closed position, the at least two closures presenting a straight line, in-line, closure, such as a window, entry door, French door, patio door assembly and when the closures are pivoted from a closed position whereat said closures are parallel to the extension of said closure frame to a second position wherein free end of the closer is pivoted away from the closure frame, the free end of said closure including an inter-engaging member which inter-engage with adjacent members to brace together said closures thereby against any loading such as wind loads or the like.