Composite Profile Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite profiles for facades, windows, or doors made from different materials with varying coefficients of thermal expansion experience deflection due to temperature changes, leading to assembly issues and leaks, as they flex at their joints.
Innovation Solution
A composite profile design featuring a first profile with higher flexural strength and a second profile with greater thickness or different material, connected via a shear-resistant fastener and a linear guide allowing longitudinal movement to compensate for thermal stresses, while preventing perpendicular movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If profiles made from different materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion are fixed together, then the composite profile can absorb higher mechanical loads, but temperature changes cause deflection at the joint due to differential thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element (the slot) that allows the rigid profiles to move relative to each other in response to thermal expansion forces. The slot transforms the static rigid connection into a semi-dynamic connection that can accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between profiles is segmented into two functional zones: a shear-resistant fastening means for load transfer and a slot for thermal movement accommodation. This segmentation allows the connection to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and thermal flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fixed connection is used between different profiles, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal expansion causes stress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The slot introduces controlled flexibility to the connection, allowing it to adapt to thermal expansion while maintaining overall structural stability. This dynamic adjustment prevents stress accumulation that would occur in a completely rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters are changed from completely rigid to semi-flexible by introducing the slot. This parameter change allows the connection to tolerate dimensional variations due to temperature while still providing sufficient structural support.
3Strength
If the fastening means is placed close to the joint, then load transfer is optimized, but thermal movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct functional elements: the fastening means for load transfer and the slot for thermal movement. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot acts as an intermediary element between the fastening means and the profiles, mediating between the need for rigid load transfer and the need for flexible thermal accommodation. It allows controlled movement while maintaining connection integrity.
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
This design enhances load absorption and minimizes deflection by enabling thermal expansion compensation, ensuring a stable and sealed assembly even under varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
when the different materials have a different coefficient of thermal expansion. A change in temperature, for example due to solar radiation, causes the profiles to have different lengths and consequently deflection
Implementation Method 2
The first profile is fixed to the second profile via at least one Fastening means in a shear-resistant manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A composite profile (1), particularly for facades, windows, or doors, comprises a first profile (2) and a second profile (10) fixed to the first profile (2), the second profile having a higher flexural strength than the first profile (2), wherein the first profile (2) is fixed to the second profile (10) in a shear-resistant manner by means of at least one fastening element (11, 11', 11"), and wherein the first profile (2) and the second profile (10) are held relative to each other by means of a linear guide arranged at a distance from the at least one fastening element (11, 11', 11") so as to be displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction. The invention further relates to a frame and a unitized facade with such a composite profile.