EPS Core Window Frame with Polyurethane Shell Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional window frames, including those with polyurethane shells and wooden or PVC cores, fail to meet stringent modern building insulation requirements and are costly, necessitating the development of a more affordable and effective thermal insulation solution.

Innovation Solution

A frame structure utilizing expanded polystyrene (EPS) cores with densities between 80-200 kg/m³, stabilized by polyurethane, which also serves as a glue, and optionally enhanced with high-temperature EPS and additives for improved resistance to compression and melting, combined with a polyurethane shell for enhanced insulation and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional wooden cores are used in PUR frames, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but robustness and insulating properties deteriorate when exposed to moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidrobustness and insulating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining wood core with PUR shell, where the wood provides aesthetic appearance and the PUR provides robustness and insulation. This resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials in a single structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If PVC cores are used in window frames, then robustness is improved, but insulating properties and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverobustnessVSAvoidinsulating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials with wood core and PUR shell, where the wood core provides better insulating properties compared to PVC, while the PUR shell maintains robustness. This combination resolves the contradiction between robustness and insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If PUR shell thickness is increased to improve insulation, then thermal insulating properties are improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulating propertiesVSAvoidPUR material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials with wood core and PUR shell, where the wood core contributes to thermal insulation, allowing for reduced PUR shell thickness while maintaining overall insulating performance. This resolves the contradiction between insulation and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If EPS density is increased to improve structural stability, then resistance to compression and melting is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to compression and meltingVSAvoidEPS material density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing EPS density within a specific range (80-200 kg/m³) to achieve the required structural stability and resistance to compression and melting while controlling manufacturing costs. This resolves the contradiction between stability and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Quantity of substance

If EPS core is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates compared to traditional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidthermal insulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials with EPS core and PUR shell, where the EPS provides cost-effectiveness and the PUR shell enhances thermal insulation performance. This combination resolves the contradiction between cost and insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 EPS core with polyurethane shell provides a cost-effective, thermally insulating, and robust window frame structure that meets stricter building regulations, balancing insulation properties and economic viability, with the option of varying densities and incorporating reinforcing materials for added strength.

Implementation Method 1

a frame structure, such as a window sash or a frame for a window or door, including side, top and bottom pieces, said frame structure comprising a core made from at least one core member and a shell of polyurethane encasing the core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one core member is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a density of 80-200 kg/m³

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3415705B1A frame structure for a window and a method for making a frame structure
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3415705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3415705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3415705B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4K

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame structure, such as a window sash or a frame for a window or door, comprising a core made from at least one core member made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a density of 80-200 kg/m3 and a shell of polyurethane (PUR) encasing the core. At least one joint between core members and/or core pieces of the frame structure is stabilized by polyurethane material having been allowed to flow into the gaps between the core members and/or core pieces, where it has sets, thus functioning as a glue. The core may include a plurality of core members, some of which may be made from a different material.