Deformable Glazing Frame for Slim Woodwork Glass Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazed openings in joinery, such as windows and doors, face issues with large, noticeable frames that limit glazing area and provide insufficient clamping force, leading to potential glazing retraction and aesthetic compromises.
Innovation Solution
A deformable frame design with groove and rebate cheeks that allow glazing insertion and retention, using locking means to secure the glazing without adhesives, and a thermal break for adaptability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glazing bead is used to clamp the glass edge, then the glass is secured in place, but the frame becomes thick and noticeable, limiting the glazing area
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two functional parts: rebate cheeks that overlap and secure the glass edge, and groove cheeks that receive the glazing bead. This segmentation allows the clamping function to be distributed, enabling a thinner overall frame profile while maintaining glass retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane clamping approach to a multi-dimensional configuration where rebate cheeks overlap the glass edge in one dimension while groove cheeks receive the bead in another dimension. This dimensional redistribution allows for reduced frame thickness without compromising glass security.
2Strength
If a thick frame is used to provide sufficient rigidity for large openings, then the frame can support large glass panes, but the frame becomes noticeable and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into rebate cheeks and groove cheeks with distinct functional roles. The rebate cheeks provide the necessary overlap and structural support for rigidity, while the groove cheeks accommodate the glazing bead. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve sufficient strength for large openings while maintaining a slimmer, less noticeable profile that maximizes glazing area.
3Ease of manufacture
If snap-fit mechanisms are used to secure the glazing, then assembly is simplified, but the clamping force is localized and insufficient under wind load, leading to glazing retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into rebate cheeks that provide continuous overlap and support along the glass edge, and groove cheeks that receive the glazing bead. This segmentation distributes the clamping force along the entire length of the glass edge rather than at localized snap-fit points, preventing glazing retraction under wind load while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the frame are given different local qualities: rebate cheeks are designed to overlap and provide continuous support, while groove cheeks are designed to receive and secure the glazing bead. This local differentiation ensures that each part contributes optimally to overall glazing retention, providing distributed clamping force that resists wind loads effectively.
4Area of stationary object
If the frame profile is made thinner to increase glazing area, then more light enters the room, but the frame lacks sufficient rigidity to secure large glass panes
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into rebate cheeks that overlap the glass edge to provide structural support and rigidity, and groove cheeks that receive the glazing bead. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain a thin profile for maximum glazing area while the overlapping rebate cheeks provide the necessary rigidity to secure large glass panes effectively.
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
Enhances glazing retention, reduces frame visibility, increases glazed area, and simplifies installation and maintenance, while accommodating glazing thickness variations.
Implementation Method 1
the body is deformable such that second portions of the cheeks, called groove cheeks, can be brought closer together under the effect of an external force, thereby moving the rebate cheeks apart to allow the glazing to be installed in the body
Implementation Method 2
means for locking the groove cheeks in the holding position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(G)
AI summary
The invention relates in particular to a joinery element (1) comprising a glazing (20) mounted in a frame of which at least one side is formed by a body (100) having two cheeks (110, 120) of which first parts, called rebate cheeks (110A, 120A), overlap an edge of the glazing (20). According to the invention, the body (100) is deformable such that second portions of the cheeks (110, 120), called groove cheeks (110B, 120B), can be brought closer together under the effect of an external force so as to move the rebate cheeks (110A, 120A) apart to allow the glazing (20) to be placed in the body (100). The cheeks (110, 120) return to a holding position in the absence of force, in which the glazing (20) is held between the rebate cheeks (110A, 120A). Means for locking the groove cheeks (110B, 120B) in the holding position are provided.