Fenestration Frame Toggle Shim for Sash Load Separation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fenestration system frame members tend to twist or bend when a movable sash moves, leading to separation from the underlying substrate due to the weight of the sash.

Innovation Solution

A toggle shim is used to secure the frame member to the substrate, featuring a securing device with engagement members that transition between disengaged and engaged positions to prevent separation, utilizing mechanical fasteners and pivotable mechanisms to maintain the frame member's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the frame member is left unsecured to allow easy installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the frame member will bend, twist, or separate due to the weight of the movable sash

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidframe member stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A toggle shim is introduced as an intermediary component between the frame member and the substrate. The toggle shim includes engagement members that interface with both the frame member and the substrate, providing a stable connection without requiring direct complex attachment mechanisms between the frame member and substrate, thus maintaining ease of installation while ensuring frame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The toggle shim is designed to be transitionable between a disengaged position (during installation) and an engaged position (during operation). This dynamic transition allows the system to be easy to install when unengaged and stable during use when engaged, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and frame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the toggle shim is designed with complex engagement mechanisms to prevent frame separation, then the frame member stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe member stabilityVSAvoidtoggle shim complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle shim is segmented into distinct functional components: engagement members for interfacing with the frame member, a body portion for structural support, and attachment means for securing to the substrate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing frame stability through simple, focused mechanisms rather than complex integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the engagement members are always engaged to prevent frame bending, then the frame member stability is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe member stabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle shim is designed to be transitionable between a disengaged position (during installation) and an engaged position (during operation). This dynamic transition allows the system to be easy to install when unengaged and stable during use when engaged, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and frame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 toggle shim effectively prevents frame members from bending, twisting, or separating from the substrate, ensuring the stability and integrity of the fenestration system.

Implementation Method 1

The toggle shim is pivotable about an axis extending through the mechanical fastener and in a plane parallel to an upper surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP4671480A1Systems and methods of securing fenestration system frame members
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ARCONIC TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP4671480A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4671480A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4671480A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A fenestration system includes a frame member positionable within an opening defined in a building and adjacent a substrate of the building, the frame member including a plurality of bottom projections extending from the frame member and a foot extending laterally from at least one of the plurality of bottom projections, and a toggle shim arranged within a clearance defined between the frame member and the substrate, the toggle shim being securable to the substrate and including a securing device providing one or more engagement members engageable with the frame member. The toggle shim is transitionable between a disengaged position, where the one or more engagement members are disengaged from the foot, and an engaged position, where the one or more engagement members are engaged with the foot and thereby prevent the frame member from separating from the substrate.