Frame Assembly for Sheet Material with Interlocking Inner Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel structures in construction, such as double-glazed windows, face challenges with installation complexity, cost, fragility, weight, and resistance to impact forces, leading to deficiencies in quality, strength, durability, and air/water-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly for sheet material featuring inner and outer frame sections with complementary geometries that restrict movement and distribute forces, eliminating the need for silicone or wet sealants and allowing for easier installation and improved resistance to impact forces, including bomb blasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fitting methods are used to attach sheet material to frame sections, then installation is simpler, but strength and resistance to impact forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple frame sections, each with complementary fitting features (protrusions and recesses) that segment the load path and provide distributed attachment points across the sheet material, enhancing overall strength while maintaining manageable assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting features (protrusions and recesses) are pre-formed on the frame sections during manufacturing, allowing for preliminary preparation of attachment mechanisms that simplify on-site installation while ensuring consistent strength performance
2Reliability
If silicone or wet sealants are used to seal the structure, then air/water-tightness is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to unpredictable on-site applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the frame assembly structure itself, with dedicated sealing features integrated into the frame sections that provide inherent air/water-tightness without relying on separate sealant application steps
Solution Approach 2:
The frame sections are designed with self-sealing characteristics where the complementary fitting features automatically provide sealing upon assembly, eliminating the need for additional sealant materials and simplifying installation while ensuring reliable air/water-tightness
Data Source
AI summary
The application describes a frame assembly comprising: a first inner frame section adapted to be fitted to a first peripheral portion of a first surface of sheet material, the first peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge; a second, separate inner frame section adapted to be fitted to a second peripheral portion of a second surface of sheet material, the second peripheral portion is adjacent a peripheral edge, and the second surface is opposite the first surface; and an outer frame section for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereto, the outer frame section comprising first and second projections. The first frame section defines a space adapted to receive the first projection of the outer frame section, the space of the first inner frame section cooperates with the received first projection to restrict movement of the first inner frame section relative to the outer frame section.