One-Piece Fixing Device with Breakable Marker Tab for Window Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

During window or door carpentry renovation, especially with total removal, the presence of thermal insulation and facing layers complicates the installation of new frames due to hidden fixing brackets, making it difficult to achieve accurate alignment and compliance with anchoring depth regulations, leading to labor-intensive adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece fixing device with a breakable marker lug and integrated stop ensures accurate placement and alignment of the fixing fin, allowing for secure frame fixation while respecting predefined anchoring depths, even through insulation layers, and features guiding cells for screw insertion to prevent skewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional fixing bracket is used with insulation layers in place, then the frame can be surface-mounted to the bracket, but the bracket becomes hidden and inaccessible making alignment and fixation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of fixing bracketVSAvoidAlignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a breakable guide tab as an intermediary element that extends through the insulation layer to provide a visible and accessible reference for aligning the fixing bracket with the frame. This mediator allows the installer to accurately position the hidden bracket without needing to access it directly, resolving the contradiction between bracket accessibility and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If drilling holes in metal fixing brackets is performed, then the frame can be secured to the bracket, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming with screws slipping and going crooked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of drilling and fixationVSAvoidInstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-drilled alignment holes and guiding features in the breakable guide tab that align with corresponding holes in the frame and bracket. This preliminary preparation of alignment paths eliminates the need for difficult field drilling and positioning operations, making the fixation process easier and faster while preventing screw misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If anchoring depth requirements are enforced, then secure fixing to the wall is ensured, but it becomes difficult to comply with these requirements during renovation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecure anchoringVSAvoidCompliance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The breakable guide tab serves as a mediator that carries the anchoring depth requirement from the hidden bracket to the visible frame surface. By providing a measurable reference element that extends through the insulation, the guide tab makes it easy to verify and enforce minimum anchoring depths without adding complexity to the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustments are made for quality installation, then proper alignment and anchoring are achieved, but labor time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation qualityVSAvoidInstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The breakable guide tab is pre-configured with the correct length and positioning features to automatically ensure proper alignment and anchoring depth. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple iterative adjustments during installation, maintaining high installation quality while significantly improving productivity by reducing the number of adjustment cycles required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4148221A1Fixing device for a carpentry frame comprising a single-piece element
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 PLASTI PROCESS
  • EP4148221A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4148221A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4148221A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fixing device for a window and/or door frame (D) suitable for fixing said frame to an anchor face (M0) of a wall around an opening intended to receive the window or door, comprising a single-piece element having a fixing plate (1) extending along a principal longitudinal direction (X), configured to be fixed to the anchor face of the wall, and a fixing flange (2) receiving the frame, comprising two opposing faces (20, 21), one of which (20) receives the frame, said flange (2) being disposed in line with said plate and oriented along a principal direction different from that of said plate, and a breakable marker tab (3) configured suitable for locating the position of said flange to fix the frame to said flange when the frame is installed opposite said receiving face (20) of said flange, and at least one stop (31), integrated into said breakable marker tab (3),allowing for compliance with a predefined anchoring depth for fixing said device to the wall.