Fenestration Frame Corner Reinforcement Plug Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fenestration unit frame configurations are limited in supporting certain types of glazing units, are inefficient and costly to manufacture, and lack aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A fenestration unit frame design featuring a corner member with elongate frame members and a corner reinforcement plug that includes an insert end received in an elongate reinforcement beam, distributing loads evenly and providing robustness, efficiency in manufacturing, and aesthetically pleasing features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional frame configurations are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the frame cannot support certain types of glazing units and lacks robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular components including profile members, reinforcement beams, and corner reinforcement plugs that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the frame to support various glazing units while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs composite construction combining profile members with internal reinforcement beams and corner reinforcement plugs. This composite structure provides the necessary robustness and adaptability to support different glazing unit types while distributing loads effectively throughout the frame assembly.
2Strength
If frame structures are designed for robustness and load distribution, then manufacturing efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reinforcement system into separate components (reinforcement beams, corner reinforcement plugs) that can be pre-manufactured and then assembled, the design achieves robust load distribution without sacrificing manufacturing efficiency. Each component can be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner reinforcement plug is received within the profile member and engages with the reinforcement beam, creating a nested structure. This nesting allows multiple structural elements to be combined in a space-efficient manner that maintains strength while simplifying assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If reinforcement elements are added to support glazing units, then point loading increases, but load distribution improves
Solution Approach 1:
The corner reinforcement plug provides localized reinforcement at critical corner positions where loads are concentrated. This local quality enhancement allows the frame to distribute loads more effectively throughout the structure while preventing excessive point loading at specific locations through strategic reinforcement placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a fenestration unit includes a corner member at a corner joint of first and second elongate frame members. The second elongate frame member includes a profile member and an elongate reinforcement beam disposed therein. The elongate reinforcement beam has a terminal end. The second elongate frame member further includes a corner reinforcement plug with an insert end that is received in the terminal end of the elongate reinforcement beam. The corner reinforcement plug also includes a corner end that is engaged with the corner member and an intermediate portion that is disposed between the insert end and the corner end. The corner reinforcement plug has a shoulder at a transition between the intermediate portion and the insert end, and the shoulder abuts against the terminal end. The intermediate portion is disposed within the interior of the profile member.