Plastic Frame Fixing Device for Wind Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening window frames to a wall reveal using screws are expensive, complex, and struggle to effectively transmit high forces perpendicular to the screw axis, often resulting in material breakage and impermissible frame movements under wind loads.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fixing device made from plastic, featuring a curved base body with a central opening and a polygonal accumulation of material, which is rotated to press against the reveal, combining the effects of a lock nut and a disc spring to transfer forces via frictional and positive locking, allowing high force transmission perpendicular to the screw axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple screw connections are used in brick masonry, then the fastening process is simple, but the screw cannot adequately transmit forces perpendicular to the screw axis due to partial cavities in the brick, leading to material breakage and frame movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device acts as an intermediary element between the screw and the brick masonry. It has a central opening that receives the screw and a base body that presses against the reveal, mediating the force transmission. The device transfers axial screw forces into radial pressing forces against the brick, enabling effective force transmission perpendicular to the screw axis without requiring complex anchoring in the partial cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device changes the parameter of force direction from axial (along screw axis) to radial (perpendicular to screw axis). By converting the screw's axial tightening force into radial pressing force against the reveal through the base body, it enables the transmission of high forces perpendicular to the screw axis that would otherwise be impossible with simple screw connections in brick masonry.
2Strength
If multiple fastening elements (screws, anchors, spacers) are used to transmit high forces, then force transmission capability is improved, but the fastening process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it combines the function of a spacer (maintaining distance between frame and reveal), a force transmission element (base body pressing against reveal), and a screw receiver (central opening). This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate fastening elements, simplifying the fastening process while maintaining high force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is a multi-functional element that simultaneously: (1) maintains the required distance between frame and reveal, (2) receives and transmits forces from the screw, (3) presses against the reveal to transmit forces perpendicular to the screw axis, and (4) provides a mounting surface for the frame. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized fastening components.
3Strength
If the fixing device is pressed against the reveal by rotation, then force transmission perpendicular to screw axis is improved, but additional rotational action is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device enables self-service fastening where the installer can achieve both axial securing (by screwing) and radial pressing (by rotating with a wrench) using standard hand tools. The device is designed to be engaged by common wrenches on its polygonal section, allowing the user to perform the rotational pressing action themselves without specialized equipment or complex procedures.
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 solution simplifies the fastening process, reduces frame movement, and effectively transmits high forces into the masonry, ensuring secure attachment of window frames even under high wind loads without requiring additional dowels or complex spacer elements.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing device transmits forces acting perpendicular to the screw axis from the screw to the reveal by means of friction and/or positive locking
Implementation Method 2
The base body is shaped and elastically designed to act like a disc spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
For the spaced-apart fastening of a frame (17) to a reveal (3) of a wall by means of at least one screw (14) and at least one fixing device (1), it is proposed that the screw (14) is turned through the frame (17) and the fixing device (1) into the reveal (3), wherein during and/or afterwards the fixing device (1) is pressed against the reveal (3) such that the fixing device (1) transmits forces of the screw (14) acting perpendicular to the screw axis (1) to the reveal (3) by friction and/or positive locking. The fixing device (1) is manufactured in one piece from plastic or metal and has a convex, in particular plate-shaped, base body (4) and a central opening (11) with a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the screw (14).