Guide Recess on Window Frame Support Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window frame fixing devices face difficulties in attaching the support element to a window frame that has been provisionally positioned over insulating materials, making the process less accessible and more challenging due to the added layer of thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a guide recess on the support element allows for a quick and defined guiding movement of the fixing element end into a connection position, enabling easy engagement with a hole in the support element, even when the window frame is partially mounted above insulating materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulating materials are applied to the outside of the masonry for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but access to the support element for fastening becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidaccess to support element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide recess acts as an intermediary feature between the fixing element and the support element bore. It provides a defined path that guides the fixing element into proper alignment with the bore, mediating the connection process and making it easier to access and assemble even when insulated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the window frame is mounted above insulating material, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but fastening access becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidfastening access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide recess serves as a mediating structure that facilitates the fastening process. It provides a predefined path that guides the fixing element to the correct position, reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembly operations when the window frame is mounted above insulating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a guide recess is provided on the support element, then alignment and engagement speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment and engagement speedVSAvoidsupport element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide recess segments the support element structure into functional zones: the guide recess portion that provides alignment, and the bore portion that provides engagement. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently, improving assembly speed while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide recess provides localized guidance functionality at a specific location on the support element, rather than requiring the entire structure to be complex. This local quality approach improves alignment speed while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2594719B1Method for fixing a component
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 KNELSEN WALDEMAR
  • EP2594719B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device has a support member (2) i.e. U-shaped mounting rail, attached at an edge of a building aperture during fixing a vertical frame portion of a window frame via a fixing member e.g. screw. The support member comprises a hole (5) for engaging an end of the fixing member and a guide recess (10) e.g. guide slot or guide groove, for receiving and guiding an end of the fixing member toward the hole. The guide recess passes along a longitudinal center plane (M) of a flat side (6) of the support member.