Fenestration Supplement Frame Segmentation for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Old, poorly sealed, or underperforming fenestration systems, such as windows, face challenges in providing adequate thermal insulation, sound insulation, and optical performance, and existing supplemental panels often require removal and reinstallation seasonally, interfere with window operation, and cannot accommodate spectrally selective films for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
A custom-configurable fenestration supplement system with frame members, connectors, and accessories that attach to existing fenestration systems without altering their appearance, allowing for improved thermal, optical, and acoustic performance, accommodating multiple thin-film membranes and surface-applied films, and enabling hinged or sliding operation to maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing supplemental panels are used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but the panels require removal and reinstallation seasonally and interfere with window operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fenestration supplement is divided into multiple frame members (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, fourth frame member) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each frame member contains connector grooves that receive connectors to join the members together, allowing the supplement to be segmented for easier installation and seasonal removal while maintaining thermal performance when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed with connector grooves that receive connectors, allowing one component to be inserted into another. The connectors engage with the grooves to join frame members together, creating a nested assembly structure that facilitates both installation and seasonal removal without interfering with window operation.
2Temperature
If existing supplemental panels are used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but the panels cannot accommodate spectrally selective films for improved performance
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed with universal connector grooves that can accommodate various types of connectors and configurations. The system can be adapted to hold different types of fenestration supplements including those with spectrally selective films, making the frame structure versatile for multiple performance improvements beyond just basic thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in the configuration and parameters of the fenestration supplement by using adjustable connectors and frame member arrangements. This enables the accommodation of spectrally selective films and other performance-enhancing materials by modifying the supplement's structure while maintaining the same frame member framework.
3Strength
If a rigid frame structure is used to provide structural support, then strength is improved, but the system becomes difficult to assemble and disassemble seasonally
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions between static and dynamic states. The connectors can be inserted into and removed from the connector grooves easily for seasonal assembly and disassembly, while maintaining a stable, strength-providing connection when assembled. This dynamic capability allows the structure to be both strong and easily reconfigurable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame structure is segmented into multiple frame members that can be independently assembled using connectors. This segmentation maintains the overall structural strength when assembled while enabling easy disassembly by simply removing the connectors, solving the contradiction between strength and ease of seasonal installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects disclosed herein relate to a fenestration supplement system and methods of using such a system. In one aspect, the fenestration supplement system includes a fenestration supplement frame member that is configured to accept three or more fenestration supplements. In another aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member has opposing first and second ends that each receives fenestration supplements, connectors and/or hardware (such as mounting hardware). In yet another aspect, a fenestration supplement frame member includes specially shaped grooves that can accept and retain different types of connectors.