Twin Casement Frame With V-Shaped Welded Mullion-Seal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door frames with transoms and mullions that open in opposite directions face difficulties in sealing due to the offset of connected rod sections and springing, leading to unsatisfactory welds and sealing grooves.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece rod design with V-shaped lintel receiving recesses and tapered welding surfaces allows for a secure, form-fitting engagement and seamless integration of seals, eliminating the need for Z-welding and simplifying the weld finishing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Z-welding with two separate mullion sections is used to create a reversible mullion, then the mullion can support windows opening in opposite directions, but the offset of connected rod sections makes plastering very difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion is divided into two sections with different overlap orientations (one on visible side, one on rear side) to enable reversible window operation, while the transom is made as a single continuous piece to provide a smooth plasterable surface
Solution Approach 2:
The offset problem is extracted and resolved by making the transom a single continuous piece that spans across the mullion joint, eliminating the offset issue at the plasterable surface while maintaining the segmented mullion structure underneath
2Ease of manufacture
If a completely butt-welded connection of the springing is used, then the connection is simple, but sealing grooves lead to unsatisfactory results
Solution Approach 1:
The transom has different structural characteristics at different locations: a V-shaped recess with tapered welding surfaces at the ends for secure connection, and a continuous smooth profile in the middle section for proper sealing groove formation and plastering
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped recesses with tapered welding surfaces are pre-formed in the transom before assembly, enabling secure form-fitting engagement and proper sealing groove alignment without requiring complex field adjustments
3Reliability
If V-shaped lintel receiving recesses with tapered welding surfaces are used, then form-fitting engagement and seal integration are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transom profile includes V-shaped recesses with specific tapered angles (matching the 45° chamfer angle of the mullion welding surfaces) that provide form-fitting engagement and secure welding, while the continuous profile ensures proper sealing groove formation
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 improved sealing and aesthetic integration of seals, simplifies welds, and ensures secure connections without the need for Z-welding, enhancing the overall structural integrity and appearance of the frame.
Implementation Method 1
heating of the bar-side welding surfaces and/or the transom-side welding surfaces
Implementation Method 2
pressing of the bar-side welding surfaces and the transom-side welding surfaces against each other for a material- and form-fitting connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame (2) is proposed, comprising at least one rod (10) with a visible side (S10) and a rear side, and a springer (20) with a visible side (S20) and a rear side (R20) connected to the rod (10), wherein the rod (10) has a visible longitudinal edge (11a) and a V-shaped springer receiving recess (12) with welding surfaces (13), wherein the springer (20) has a visible end edge (21a) and two V-shaped tapered welding surfaces (23) which together define a springer tip (22), wherein the visible longitudinal edge (11a) abuts the visible end edge (21a), and wherein the rod-side welding surfaces (13) are connected to the springer-side welding surfaces (23).