Foamed Polymer Window Frame with Segmented Thermal Breaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window designs face restrictive design limitations regarding energy heat loss and thermal transmittance, particularly in the components of the window frames and sashes, necessitating improved thermal insulation and structural performance while being economically competitive and eco-sustainable.
Innovation Solution
The window system incorporates foamed material with still air cells in its perimeter frame sections, allowing for embedded reinforcement elements and enhanced insulation, where the double-glazed unit acts as the load-bearing element, and the frame functions primarily for sealing and insulation, reducing the frame's structural load and increasing glass surface area for better thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional frame structures are used to provide structural support, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to high thermal transmittance of frame materials
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple chambers separated by thermal breaks, creating a multi-cavity structure that segments the thermal path. This segmentation reduces heat transfer through the frame while maintaining structural integrity through strategic placement of reinforcement elements in specific chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame combines materials with different thermal properties - using thermally insulating materials for the majority of the frame structure while incorporating reinforcement elements (metal or rigid plastic) only where structurally necessary. This composite approach minimizes thermal transmittance while maintaining required strength.
2Loss of energy
If frame sections are made thicker to improve thermal insulation, then energy loss is reduced, but the window weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick frame section, the design employs multiple thinner chambers separated by thermal breaks. This segmented approach achieves equivalent or superior thermal insulation performance while using less material and reducing overall weight compared to a solid thick frame.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements are placed locally only where structurally necessary rather than throughout the entire frame. This allows the frame to achieve required strength with minimal material usage while maintaining excellent thermal insulation properties in the non-reinforced portions.
3Strength
If more frame material is used to ensure structural support, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is manufactured as a multi-chamber structure that uses less material overall. The segmented design with thermal breaks reduces material consumption while maintaining structural strength through optimized chamber configurations and strategic reinforcement placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements are incorporated locally only where structurally required rather than uniformly throughout the frame. This localized approach reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while ensuring structural support is provided exactly where needed.
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 design achieves high thermal insulation efficiency, reduces material usage and costs, and provides an eco-friendly solution with improved structural integrity and aesthetic appeal by leveraging the insulating properties of foamed materials and the double-glazed unit's load-bearing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
sections that form the perimeter frame have foamed material provided with still air cells
Implementation Method 2
the heat shield function cannot be left to the glass of the window alone, the need is felt to improve the known solutions so that the frames that form the fixtures and the sash of the windows are highly performing in terms of thermal insulation
Data Source
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AI summary
A window (1) is provided with a transparent or semitransparent panel (16) and with a frame (10), which comprises framework elements (11,12) arranged so as to form the perimeter of an opening closed by the panel (16); the framework elements define a seat (33), which is engaged by a perimetral edge portion (22) of the panel (16) and is defined by a bottom surface (36) and two shoulders (38,39), coupled to respective faces of the perimetral edge portion (22); the framework elements (11,12) comprise foamed polymer material defining the bottom surface (36), which is fixed to the perimetral edge portion (22) by means of an adhesive sealant which fills the gap between the bottom surface (36) and the perimetral edge portion (22).