Frameless Window Assembly with Resilient Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window assemblies are complex, laborious, and expensive to install, and often damageable due to the use of soft plastic membranes that lack resiliency and are not suitable for sharp corners.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly comprising a sheet with resilient edges that create a spring thrust to hold the sheet in place when inserted into a wall opening, allowing for easy installation and use of materials like polycarbonate with adjustable thickness and additional features for thermal and sound insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid frame with multiple components is used, then the window assembly provides good insulation and structural strength, but the installation becomes complicated and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into a frameless design where the glazing unit itself serves as both the transparent panel and the structural element. The resilient channel acts as a separate segmentation that provides mounting functionality without requiring a traditional frame structure, thus simplifying installation while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing unit performs multiple functions: it provides transparency, structural support, insulation, and weather protection. The resilient channel serves dual purposes as both a mounting mechanism and an insulating barrier, eliminating the need for separate frame components and reducing installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft plastic membrane is used as a flexible pane, then the assembly can be attached to a rigid frame, but the membrane lacks resiliency and may be damaged if bent around sharp corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft plastic membrane to resilient channel with specific durometer properties (40-70 shore hardness). This parameter change provides both flexibility for installation and sufficient durability to resist damage, as the resilient material can bend around corners without permanent deformation or damage.
3Reliability
If a traditional window assembly with multiple components is used, then good insulation is achieved, but the installation is expensive and requires professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the glazing unit and mounting function into a single integrated assembly. The resilient channel is attached directly to the glazing unit, combining the transparent panel and mounting mechanism into one component that can be installed as a single unit, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for professional installation while maintaining insulation performance.
4Ease of operation
If a sheet with resilient edges is inserted into the opening, then easy installation is achieved, but the sheet must have sufficient spring thrust to hold itself in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies resilient channel parameters (durometer 40-70, specific thickness) that provide the optimal balance between installation ease and holding force. The channel is designed with dimensions that create sufficient spring thrust to hold the glazing unit in place while remaining flexible enough for simple insertion by laymen without requiring excessive installation force.
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 installation, reduces costs, enhances durability, and provides effective sound and thermal insulation, enabling laymen to install without professionals, while accommodating various opening shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient edge in the direction of the larger dimension so that abutting the resilient edge against the opening creates sufficient spring thrust to hold the sheet in the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a frameless window assembly made from a sheet with resilient edge(s).