Hinged Corner Storm Window Frame for Out-of-Square Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm windows face challenges in fitting non-rectangular window frames due to house settling, requiring multiple precise measurements and complex manufacturing processes, leading to increased costs and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A storm window frame with hinged corners, using pivotable bracket members to adjust and secure the frame to out-of-square window frames with only two measurements (horizontal and vertical distances), allowing for a simpler installation process and conventional pane shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid corner arrangements are used in storm window frames, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the frame cannot accommodate house settling and frame shifts, leading to installation difficulties and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed corner joints with hinged pivotable bracket members that allow the frame to dynamically adjust to out-of-square conditions. The hinge mechanism enables the corner joints to pivot and accommodate frame shifts caused by house settling, while maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the frame to adjust to dimensional changes without compromising the structural integrity of individual components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple precise measurements including diagonals are taken for out-of-square frames, then proper fit can be achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged corner arrangement enables the frame to self-adjust to out-of-square conditions through its pivotable mechanism. The frame automatically compensates for dimensional variations and house settling without requiring complex measurements or adjustments by the installer. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for precise diagonal measurements and reduces installation time, as the frame naturally accommodates the opening dimensions through its flexible corner joints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed corner frames are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the frame cannot accommodate thermal expansion and house settling, leading to air leakage and heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the corner joint into separate pivotable components rather than using a single rigid connection. The bracket member with hinge mechanism allows each corner to independently adjust while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the frame. This segmented approach enables the frame to accommodate thermal expansion and house settling through localized adjustments at each corner, preventing air leakage and maintaining structural stability throughout the entire frame assembly.
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 hinged corner frame simplifies the installation and manufacturing of storm windows by eliminating the need for precise diagonal measurements, reducing costs and accommodating frame shifts, while ensuring proper fit and thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pivotable bracket member coupling the first and second rails
Data Source
AI summary
A structural assembly for a frame includes a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a fourth rail, a first pivotable bracket member coupling the first and second rails, and a second pivotable bracket member coupling the third and fourth rails. The first rail includes a first end, a second end, and a first groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The second rail includes a first end, a second end, and a second groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The third rail includes a first end, a second end, and a third groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof. The fourth rail includes a first end, a second end, and a fourth groove extending a distance between the first end and the second end thereof.