Flush Window Frame Integration for Motorhome Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window systems for mobile homes and leisure vehicles fail to meet both aesthetic and aerodynamic requirements, often compromising on appearance for aerodynamic performance and vice versa, while also posing risks during collisions and allowing wind noise and water ingress.
Innovation Solution
A window system where the frame is integrated into the vehicle wall with a multi-layer structure, featuring an outer layer that protrudes over a middle and inner layer, with sealing mechanisms and adjustable profiles to minimize aerodynamic impact, reduce wind noise, and enhance safety by being flush with the vehicle's exterior, allowing for various window and door configurations and sealing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window frame protrudes significantly beyond the vehicle wall, then the window is easier to install and access, but the aerodynamics are impaired and wind noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an undercut structure at the specific location where the window frame interfaces with the vehicle wall. This localized geometric modification allows the frame to be recessed into the wall thickness, improving aerodynamics while maintaining installation accessibility through the controlled cavity space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional integrated structure by forming an undercut cavity within the wall thickness. This dimensional change allows the window frame to be embedded within the wall structure rather than merely attached to the surface, simultaneously achieving better aerodynamics and reduced wind noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the window frame is integrated flush into the vehicle wall, then aerodynamics are improved and wind noise is reduced, but the risk of injury during collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a deformable sealant layer between the window frame and the vehicle wall structure. This sealant layer is positioned in advance to act as a cushioning element that can deform during impact events, absorbing energy and reducing the transmission of collision forces to the window frame and potentially to occupants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the window frame is recessed into the vehicle wall with an undercut structure, then aerodynamics are improved, but the complexity of manufacturing the vehicle wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the undercut structure in the vehicle wall profile before the actual window installation process. This pre-formed geometric feature is integrated into the wall manufacturing step, allowing the undercut cavity to be created as part of the wall formation process rather than requiring separate post-processing operations, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing mechanisms are implemented, then water and air ingress are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealant layer that is applied at the interface between the window frame and the vehicle wall. This combined sealing approach consolidates what could be multiple separate sealing components into one continuous deformable barrier, achieving effective water and air ingress prevention while avoiding the complexity of multiple discrete sealing mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a window system (9) for a motorhome, a recreational vehicle (1) or a caravan comprising a vehicle wall (4), a frame (10) and a sash (11) movable relative to the frame.In this arrangement, an outer layer (6) of the vehicle wall (4) extends over a middle layer (7) and an inner layer (8), in particular completely surrounding, into a cutout (5), wherein the frame (10) with a first surrounding, in particular completely surrounding leg (23) with an interposition of a sealant (24) abuts the outer layer (6) with a first surrounding, in particular completely surrounding, end face (6b) and/or with a surrounding, in particular completely surrounding underside (6c), and wherein the frame (10) with an underside (30c) of a second surrounding, in particular completely surrounding leg (30) rests flat on a visible side (8c) of the inner layer (8), wherein the two legs (23, 30) are formed by a one-piece, closed profile (38) or by a one-piece profile section (191).