Garage Door Window Frame Rib-Groove Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window frame assemblies for garage doors are prone to breakage under high winds and flying debris due to inadequate energy absorption and distribution, compromising the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, while also increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A window frame assembly design featuring front and rear frame members with a cooperating rib and groove mechanism that securely grips a transparent pane, absorbing impact energy through honeycomb regions and maintaining even pressure, allowing for easy installation and cost-effective manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reinforcement structures are added to window frame assemblies to withstand high winds and flying debris, then the strength and reliability improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind and debris resistanceVSAvoidframe assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the transparent pane within a groove that is itself nested within the frame member structure. The groove is formed as an integral part of the frame member, creating a nested configuration where the pane is housed within the frame's internal geometry rather than requiring separate mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the frame member material with the transparent pane material (glass, plastic, or acrylic) to create a composite window assembly. This composite structure leverages the strength of the frame material and the transparency of the pane material to achieve both aesthetic and structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If reinforcement structures are added to window frame assemblies to withstand high winds and flying debris, then the strength and reliability improve, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind and debris resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the window frame assembly into distinct functional components: the frame member with its integrated groove structure and the separate transparent pane. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame member is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the structural support function and the pane retention function through its integrated groove. This universal design eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the window frame assembly uses traditional mounting methods, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to withstand high winds and flying debris is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidimpact from flying debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the groove structure in advance to accommodate and protect the transparent pane from impact forces. The groove acts as a pre-positioned protective feature that absorbs and distributes impact energy, protecting the pane from flying debris before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of manufacture

If the window frame assembly applies uneven pressure on the transparent pane, then the manufacturing is easier, but the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoideven pressure distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the groove with specific dimensional characteristics (depth, width, and positioning) that are optimized to distribute pressure evenly across the transparent pane. The groove's geometry is specifically tailored to provide uniform contact and pressure distribution, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8201367B2Wind and debris resistant garage door window frame and method of installation

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 NAT DOOR INDS

AI summary

A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The front and rear members are brought toward each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and while also capturing an associated transparent pane. The rear frame member has a rib formed about an inner peripheral edge which is received in locking engagement within a cooperating peripheral groove provided on an inner side of the transparent panel. The rib and groove locking arrangement transfers impact forces on the pane to deformation forces on the front and rear frame members. A series of fastening members are used to hold the front and rear frame members securely against each other.