Continuous Insulating Element for Window Frame Corner Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for installing frames for windows, facades, or skylights are complex due to the need for precise positioning and cutting of insulating materials, requiring numerous work steps and equipment, especially in corner areas where multiple insulating elements are needed.

Innovation Solution

A method where a single, continuous insulating element is used from one profile to another, acting as a spacer and aligning blocking elements, with perforations allowing for easy separation into units and recesses for glazing beads, simplifying assembly and reducing parts, and featuring a curved design for corner fitting with adhesive coating for easy mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple individual insulating elements are used in corner areas, then thermal insulation coverage is improved, but assembly complexity and the number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation coverageVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate insulating elements into a single continuous insulating element that spans across the corner area. This continuous element eliminates the need for separate insulating pieces in corner regions, reducing the number of parts while maintaining complete thermal insulation coverage. The insulating element extends continuously from one profile through the corner to the opposite profile, merging what would otherwise be multiple discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous insulating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, acts as a spacer to maintain proper positioning of glazing blocks, and enables alignment during assembly. By integrating these functions into a single element, the patent reduces assembly complexity while maintaining insulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If insulating material is cut to length manually with individual recesses, then precise positioning is achieved, but assembly time and work steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element is pre-formed with all necessary features including proper length, curvature for corner fitting, and integrated recesses for glazing blocks. This preliminary preparation of the insulating element eliminates the need for on-site cutting and shaping operations, allowing installers to simply position and attach the pre-configured element, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous insulating element is designed to be self-positioning through its inherent geometric features such as curvature and integrated recesses. These features guide the element into the correct position and orientation during installation, eliminating the need for complex measurement and adjustment procedures that would otherwise be required to achieve precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a continuous insulating element is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but adapting to corner areas becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidadaptability to corner areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element incorporates curved sections that allow it to conform to the angular geometry of corner areas. This curvature enables the single continuous element to navigate around corners while maintaining contact with all relevant surfaces, effectively adapting to corner configurations without requiring multiple straight segments or complex joining mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 method significantly reduces assembly complexity, time, and parts needed by using a single insulating element for all corners, enabling efficient thermal insulation and ventilation while allowing for easy installation without specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

strip-shaped insulating elements (7) are arranged in a glass rebate (8) formed between the insulating glass unit (3) and the profiles (4, 5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The insulating element is at least partially coated with an adhesive layer, which is covered by a protective film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2698494B1Method for installing a frame for a window

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The frame (2) has a corner region (10) that is provided with a main profile (5) and an auxiliary profile (4). An insulation glass disc (3) is arranged with a glass rebate which is spaced apart from main profile and auxiliary profile. An insulating element is arranged in the corner region of glass rebate and is extended from main profile to auxiliary profile. The insulating element is provided with a recess in which a glass retaining strip is inserted.