Curved Window Frame Manufacturing via One-Piece Metal Curving

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing curved window systems require a large number of assembly steps, leading to long manufacturing times and high costs.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating a one-piece base frame from a flat sheet of metal, which is then curved to form the desired shape, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple curved elements and join them, and allowing for improved precision and strength with fewer manufacturing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple flat elongated elements are manufactured and joined to form a curved frame, then the frame can be assembled from modular components, but the number of assembly steps increases and manufacturing time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular assemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate flat elongated elements into a single integrated base frame structure. Instead of manufacturing and assembling multiple modular components, the invention provides a one-piece base frame that is subsequently curved to form the desired shape, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps and significantly reducing manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flat elongated elements are joined to form a curved frame, then modular components can be used, but the number of joining operations increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular component usageVSAvoidnumber of assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple separate elements into a single integrated base frame that is then curved. This merging approach eliminates the complexity of multiple joining operations, alignment procedures, and assembly steps while maintaining the ability to produce curved frames of various configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a one-piece base frame is curved to form a curved frame, then the number of manufacturing steps is reduced, but the frame must be curved after manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcurving process requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the curving operation after the base frame has been manufactured as a one-piece structure. This preliminary formation of the complete base frame followed by curving allows for efficient manufacturing of the flat frame structure first, then applies the curvature transformation in a subsequent step, optimizing the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables the production of curved window systems with high precision and strength while reducing the number of manufacturing steps, thereby decreasing costs and time.

Implementation Method 1

the base frame being heated, in order to facilitate curving of the base frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the curved base frame being pressed to form a curved frame of a building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressing: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3740624B1Method for manufacturing a curved window system of a building and curved window system of a building
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 REMKO MARK
  • EP3740624B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3740624B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3740624B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a curved window system, the system being provided with glazing panels, and with elements (1, 2) which extend along edges of the panels, the method including: -providing a flat sheet of metal base material; -manufacturing a metal frame (1), having at least one panel opening (R), out of the flat base material; -curving the metal frame (1) out of a respective flat plane (Z) to a desired curvature, such that at least one edge of the panel opening is curved; -providing a plurahty of second flat elongated elements (2), to be joined with the frame (1) along the edges of the panel opening (R), at least one of the second elements (2) having a curvature in a second corresponding plane that extends substantially in parallel with respect to faced-away longitudinal side surfaces of that element (2), the curvature of the second element (2) being such that it can be joined with a first side surface of the frame (1) along a respective curved edge of the panel opening (R); and -positioning a panel (P) onto the metal frame, lateral sides of the panel (P) being at least partly arranged between side surfaces of the second elements.