Frameless Glazing Fixing Arrangement for Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current frameless window and door casement solutions fail to meet structural and thermal requirements, often leading to reduced light transmittance, gas leakage, and aesthetic issues due to the integration of window hardware into insulated glazing units.
Innovation Solution
An openable frameless door or window casement arrangement with a closed support profile and an outwardly opening U-shaped profile that is closely fastened onto cured sealant, allowing for mechanical support without permanent bonding to the glass, minimizing local stressing and enabling accurate positioning, and using a silicone adhesive for enhanced durability and resistance to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If window hardware is integrated into the Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) to eliminate the openable casement frame, then transparency and aesthetics are improved, but structural integrity and thermal insulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing arrangement is divided into two separate profiles: a closed support profile that provides structural reinforcement and a U-shaped profile that receives the hardware. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A tight gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the closed support profile and the U-shaped profile. This gasket ensures gas-tight sealing and maintains the integrity of the insulating glass unit while allowing the hardware to be properly mounted.
2Shape
If window hardware is integrated into the IGU to eliminate the openable casement frame, then aesthetics are improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing arrangement separates thermal and structural functions into distinct profiles. The closed support profile provides structural support while the U-shaped profile accommodates hardware, allowing optimized thermal breaks in each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The tight gasket acts as a thermal barrier between the two profiles, preventing heat transfer through the fixing arrangement and maintaining the insulating properties of the IGU.
3Strength
If the fixing arrangement is strongly bonded to the glass plates via sealant, then structural connection is improved, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The profiles are positioned and adjusted on the cured sealant before final bonding occurs. This preliminary positioning allows for precise alignment and adjustment, ensuring accurate placement of the hardware while maintaining strong structural connection.
4Device complexity
If a single integrated profile is used for fixing hardware, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing arrangement is segmented into a closed support profile and a U-shaped profile, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function. This segmentation enables the U-shaped profile to accommodate various hardware configurations while the closed support profile provides consistent structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped profile is designed to universally receive different types of window hardware (hinges, levers, sliding supports) while working in conjunction with the closed support profile. This multi-functional design maintains versatility without significantly increasing overall complexity.
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 configuration enhances light transmittance, maintains structural integrity, reduces gas leakage, and improves manufacturing flexibility by allowing separate production steps, while ensuring thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a cured cordon of sealant securing said panels together and a fixing arrangement which along the edge encompasses the spacer and is positioned between the glass plates
Implementation Method 2
a spacer which is gas-tightly inserted generally along the edge between the inwardly located and externally located glass plates creating a plate interspace
Data Source
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AI summary
An openable frameless door or window casement arrangement with multiple insulating glazing, comprising an externally located glass plate (2), an inwardly located glass plate (3) with an encompassing edge protection (6) opposite the externally located glass plate (2), a spacer (4) which is gas-tightly inserted generally along the edge between the inwardly located and externally located glass plates (2, 3) creating a plate interspace (7), a cured cordon of sealant (5) securing said panels together and a fixing arrangement (10) which along the edge encompasses the spacer (4) and is positioned between the glass plates (2, 3) for receiving a fitting, whereby actuating elements pass through the inwardly located glass plate (3) through openings and facilitate access to the fitting. According to the invention, the fixing arrangement (10) is formed by a closed support profile (11) and an outwardly opening generally U-shaped profile (12), which arrangement (10) is closely fastened onto the cured sealant (5) between the glass plates (2, 3).