Door Lite Frame Assembly with Screwless Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window frame assemblies for door lites often require screws for attachment, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and may compromise water sealing and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly using screwless connectors, where a first and second frame member secure a window panel within a door aperture, with a third and fourth frame member attaching via snap fits to cover the screws, providing a secure and visually appealing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used for attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into separate components: a functional frame member that provides structural support and an aesthetic frame member that covers the fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently while working together as a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The aesthetic frame member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the functional requirements of secure fastening and the aesthetic requirements of hidden fasteners. It covers the screws while being attached to the functional frame member, thus hiding the fasteners without compromising their fastening function.
2Strength
If screws are used for attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but water sealing deteriorates due to fastener holes
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic frame member serves as an intermediary that provides a continuous sealing surface over the fastener locations. This intermediary layer prevents water penetration at the fastener holes while allowing the underlying screws to maintain their fastening function.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the fastening function from the sealing function into different components, the design allows screws to provide secure attachment while the aesthetic frame member provides continuous water sealing without being compromised by fastener holes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If frame members are permanently fastened, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into a permanent structural component and a replaceable aesthetic component. The functional frame member remains permanently fastened to maintain structural stability, while the aesthetic frame member can be independently removed and replaced for maintenance or aesthetic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between frame members transitions from a static permanent fastening to a dynamic system where the aesthetic frame member can be easily attached and detached. This allows the structure to maintain stability during normal use while enabling easy maintenance when needed.
4Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then attachment security is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple fasteners and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic frame member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides aesthetic coverage, maintains structural alignment, and facilitates easy attachment/detachment. This merging reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate fasteners and alignment components.
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 ensures secure attachment of the window panel without visible fasteners, enhances water sealing, and allows for easy removal and replacement of aesthetic components without disassembling the window panel's attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a third frame member adapted to attach to the first outer face of the first frame member by a plurality of first screwless connectors, and a fourth frame member adapted to attach to the second outer face of the second frame member by a plurality of second screwless connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for retaining a window panel in an aperture in a door. The frame assembly having a first frame member having a first outer face, a first window engaging surface, and a first door engaging surface, a second frame member having a second outer face, a second window engaging surface, and a second door engaging surface, a third frame member adapted to attach to the first outer face of the first frame member by a plurality of first screwless connectors, and a fourth frame member adapted to attach to the second outer face of the second frame member by a plurality of second screwless connectors. The first frame member is secured to the second frame member such that the window panel is held in the aperture between the first window engaging surface and the second window engaging surface and the door is held between the first door engaging surface and the second door engaging surface.