Aluminium Glazing Framing System with Concealed Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glazing systems with aluminium extrusions often have visible wedges or hinges that detract from the aesthetic appearance of windows and doors, as they are not concealed after installation.
Innovation Solution
An aluminium extrusion framing system with a concealed wedge or hinge mechanism, where a removable cover plate hides the wedge or hinge, and optionally incorporates a lighting effect through laser-cut patterns or filters to enhance aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visible wedges are used to secure and seal the glass panel in the aluminium extrusion, then the glazing system is simple and effective, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to the visible contrasting wedges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wedge members from visible view by providing a cover that conceals them. The cover is secured to the extrusion and extends over the cavity containing the wedge members, removing the aesthetic defect while preserving the functional glazing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the extrusion by providing a cover that is separate from the main extrusion body. The cover is secured to the extrusion and extends over the cavity, creating a distinct component that hides the wedge members while maintaining the overall structure
2Ease of operation
If visible hinges are used to secure the door or window panel, then the installation is simple, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to the visible hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hinges from visible view by providing a cover that conceals them. The cover is secured to the extrusion and extends over the cavity containing the hinges, removing the aesthetic defect while preserving the functional panel mounting system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the extrusion by providing a cover that is separate from the main extrusion body. The cover is secured to the extrusion and extends over the cavity, creating a distinct component that hides the hinges while maintaining the overall structure
3Shape
If a cover plate is added to conceal the wedge members or hinges, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the cover, which serves both as an aesthetic element to conceal wedge members or hinges and as a structural component that is integrated into the extrusion. The cover can also incorporate lighting effects, further expanding its functionality while maintaining a simple overall design
Data Source
AI summary
A first embodiment of an aluminium extrusion framing system comprises a first wedge member and a second wedge member made of resilient material for securing and sealing a panel in the framing system. The framing system also comprises an aluminium extrusion having a channel adapted to receive an edge of the panel therein. A first side wall is formed with a first elongate retention means extending the full length of the extrusion for receiving the first wedge member in connection therewith. A removable cover plate is adapted to be secured to the extrusion and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall of the channel whereby, in use, when the panel is installed in the channel with the first wedge member received in connection with the first retention means, the first wedge member is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate is secured to the extrusion.