Frameless Window Assembly with Removable Glass Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window designs either expose glass stops, making them non-frameless, or require disassembling the entire window frame to remove glass panels, and often finish surrounds cannot be completed until after window installation.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly with a frameless design where the window frame is inset within the finish surround, allowing glass panels to be removed with minimal finish surround removal, and featuring integrated drainage and adjustable retainers for various glass thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If glass stops are installed to hold the glass panel in the frame, then the glass panel is securely retained, but the glass stops remain exposed above the finish surround, preventing a frameless appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional exposed glass stops from the exterior view by integrating them within the frame structure. The finish surround is extended to cover the glass stops, extracting the functional element from visible view while maintaining its retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass stops are nested within the frame and finish surround structure. The finish surround envelops the glass stops, creating a nested configuration where the retention mechanism is hidden within the aesthetic envelope.
2Ease of repair
If the entire window frame is disassembled to remove the glass panel, then the glass can be replaced, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the frame, the glass panel, the retainers, and the finish surround. This segmentation allows the glass panel and retainers to be accessed and replaced independently without requiring disassembly of the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable. The retainers can be easily detached and reattached to accommodate glass panel removal and installation, providing a dynamic interface that simplifies maintenance operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the window frame is installed before completing the finish surround, then the window can be secured to the wall, but the glass panel cannot be removed without removing the finish surround
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is extracted from the permanent frame structure and designed as a separate, removable component. This allows the retainers to be accessed and removed from the interior side of the finish surround, enabling glass panel removal without disturbing the exterior finish surround.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior retainers act as intermediary elements between the glass panel and the frame. They provide a removable interface that allows glass access while maintaining the permanent connection between the frame and wall structure.
4Shape
If the finish surround is installed around the entire window frame, then a frameless appearance is achieved, but the glass panel cannot be removed without removing the finish surround
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into exterior permanent components (frame, finish surround) and interior removable components (retainers, glass panel). This segmentation allows the finish surround to remain intact while the interior retainers are accessed and removed for glass panel replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer access is provided through the interior dimension of the finish surround rather than requiring exterior access. This dimensional approach allows the finish surround to maintain its aesthetic envelope while providing access paths through the interior space.
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly for installing in a window framing (also referred to as a “window casing”) of a wall of a building. The window assembly is configured to have a frameless appearance when installed with the finish surround installed around the interior and/or exterior of the window. The window assembly also allows the glass panel to be removed with a minimum of removal of the finish surround, such as without removing any of the finish surround, or only removing the finish surround around several sides of the only one of the interior or exterior of the window. For example, in most cases, only the interior finish surround around the right side and left side of the installed window frame needs to be removed to remove and replace the glass panel. Furthermore, the window assembly includes an integrated drain for draining moisture which leaks into the window assembly.