Glazing Frame System with Ratcheting Mount Stop and Structural Sealant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glazing systems face challenges such as humidity-induced fogging, labor-intensive assembly, and the need for quick installation with minimal fasteners, particularly in security panel applications.
Innovation Solution
A frame system comprising an elongated primary mount extrusion, a mount stop extrusion, gaskets, and a structural sealant, featuring one-way ratcheting engagement members and vents for air circulation, allowing for secure and efficient installation of glazing units with reduced fastener usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If installers drill holes through the spacer to vent the cavity, then fogging is reduced, but the system complexity increases and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vent channel is nested within the existing spacer structure itself, rather than adding separate external venting components. The spacer's internal geometry is designed to incorporate the vent channel, allowing moisture to escape through the cavity while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance without external holes or attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates a porous or permeable structure that allows moisture vapor to pass through the cavity. This porous design enables continuous passive ventilation of the cavity space, preventing fogging and condensation without requiring active mechanical systems or visible openings.
2Strength
If many fasteners are used to assemble frame and glass systems, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated clip component. The clip simultaneously attaches the spacer to the frame, secures the glass pane, and provides structural alignment, eliminating the need for separate fasteners for each function and dramatically reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed with self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically position and secure components during installation. The ratcheting mechanism provides automatic engagement without requiring precise manual alignment or multiple fastening operations, enabling quick single-handed assembly.
3Strength
If traditional aluminum frames with multiple components are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clip integrates multiple structural and fastening functions into a single component, combining the roles of structural support, spacer attachment, glass securing, and alignment features that traditionally required separate aluminum frame components. This consolidation maintains structural integrity while reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, attaches the spacer, secures the glass pane, enables adjustment, and provides alignment. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized components with a single universal element that performs all necessary functions.
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 system effectively reduces fogging by ventilating the air cavity, simplifies the installation process by minimizing the need for labor-intensive fastening, and secures glazing units quickly and securely to window portals.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom end of the mount stop extrusion defines a second one-way ratcheting engagement member that is complementary to the first one-way ratcheting engagement member so that the mount stop extrusion is affixed to the primary mount extrusion when the second one-way ratcheting engagement member is engaged with the first one-way ratcheting engagement member.
Implementation Method 2
The structural sealant is configured to be disposed so as to affix the glazing unit to an inner upper surface of the primary mount extrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame system for securing a glazing unit to a window portal includes an elongated primary mount extrusion, an elongated mount stop extrusion, an elongated first gasket, an elongated second gasket and a structural sealant. The primary mount extrusion is secured to the window portal. A mount stop extrusion engages the primary mount extrusion with a pair of ratcheting members. The first gasket and the second gasket define a passage therebetween and the passage has a width so that the glazing unit fits therein. A structural sealant is disposed so as to affix the glazing unit to an inner upper surface of the primary mount extrusion.