Impact Resistant Fenestration Unit Dynamic Frame Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impact-resistant windows face challenges in effectively managing extreme forces from weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, as existing technologies struggle to balance structural integrity with flexibility to prevent glass breakage and debris entry.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an impact-resistant fenestration unit with inner and outer frame portions featuring retaining and receiving sections, along with a supplemental fixation system that adjusts the force required to decouple the frames, using a combination of fiberglass composite materials and a snap-fit mechanism to enhance flexibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the window uses a sturdy frame securely anchored to prevent breaching, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility to flex and release under extreme forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system between the inner and outer frames using a retaining feature with a receiving section that allows the frames to flex relative to each other under extreme forces. The supplemental fixation system provides adjustable anchoring that maintains structural integrity during installation but permits controlled movement during impact events, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental fixation system allows adjustment of the force required to decouple the inner and outer frames. By modifying fixation parameters (such as screw tension or chemical anchor strength), the system can be tuned to provide appropriate structural strength under normal conditions while allowing controlled flexing and release under extreme weather forces, thereby changing the mechanical parameters dynamically.
2Reliability
If the window uses impact-resistant glass and sturdy framing, then resistance to extreme winds and debris is improved, but the risk of glass breakage due to excessive force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a glazing section with a glazing panel that can flex and a frame connection system designed to decouple under extreme forces. This beforehand cushioning mechanism absorbs and dissipates impact energy from hurricanes or tornadoes before the forces are transmitted to the glass, preventing glass breakage while maintaining overall impact resistance of the fenestration unit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame uses a fixed secure connection between inner and outer frames, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to release and flex under base forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between inner and outer frames transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system. The retaining feature includes a receiving section that allows the frames to flex relative to each other, and the supplemental fixation system can be adjusted or released under extreme forces. This dynamic behavior maintains structural stability during normal operation while enabling controlled flexing and release during extreme weather events.
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 solution provides enhanced resistance to impact forces while allowing the window to flex and release, reducing the risk of glass breakage and maintaining structural integrity during extreme weather conditions, thereby preventing debris entry and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining feature adapted to engage the coupling feature of the outer frame portion in a complementary fit adapted to flex and release from the outer frame portion upon application of a base force on a glazing panel
Data Source
AI summary
A fenestration unit includes an outer frame portion, an inner frame portion and a supplemental fixation system that secures the outer frame portion to the inner frame portion. The supplemental fixation system increases a base force required to flex and release a complementary fit between a coupling feature of the outer frame portion and a retaining feature of the inner frame portion to a final force required to decouple the first and second frame portions.