Identical Cross-Section Profiles for Cost-Effective Fiber-Reinforced Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of producing fiber-reinforced plastic profiles for doors and windows, particularly due to the expense of extrusion tools required for small production quantities, necessitates a cost-effective solution for frame assemblies with complex geometry and improved thermal insulation properties.

Innovation Solution

Designing casement and window frame profiles with an identical cross-sectional profile, allowing for the production of hollow chamber profiles with a high fiber content using a single tool, and applying a coextruded outer layer for a smooth surface, which also reduces the need for metal reinforcements and enhances thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fiber-reinforced plastic profiles are used to achieve high mechanical strength and thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation properties and mechanical strength are improved, but the production cost increases due to expensive extrusion tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the sash frame profile and frame profile to share identical cross-sectional geometry. This allows a single extrusion tool to produce both profile types, eliminating the need for separate expensive tools for each profile type. The identical cross-section enables one tool to serve multiple functions, reducing tooling costs while maintaining the mechanical strength and thermal insulation benefits of fiber-reinforced plastic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the profiles by adopting identical cross-sectional dimensions and hollow chamber configurations for both sash frame and frame profiles. This parameter standardization allows cost-effective production while preserving the structural integrity and thermal performance required for large-area windows and doors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If fiber-reinforced plastic profiles are used to achieve high mechanical strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the production cost increases due to expensive extrusion tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the sash frame profile and frame profile to share identical cross-sectional geometry. This allows a single extrusion tool to produce both profile types, eliminating the need for separate expensive tools for each profile type. The identical cross-section enables one tool to serve multiple functions, reducing tooling costs while maintaining the mechanical strength and thermal insulation benefits of fiber-reinforced plastic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the profiles by adopting identical cross-sectional dimensions and hollow chamber configurations for both sash frame and frame profiles. This parameter standardization allows cost-effective production while preserving the structural integrity and thermal performance required for large-area windows and doors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If complex cross-sectional profiles are used to achieve good thermal insulation properties, then the thermal insulation properties are improved, but the tooling cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidtooling cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the sash frame profile and frame profile to share identical cross-sectional geometry. This allows a single extrusion tool to produce both profile types, eliminating the need for separate expensive tools for each profile type. The identical cross-section enables one tool to serve multiple functions, reducing tooling costs while maintaining the mechanical strength and thermal insulation benefits of fiber-reinforced plastic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the profiles by adopting identical cross-sectional dimensions and hollow chamber configurations for both sash frame and frame profiles. This parameter standardization allows cost-effective production while preserving the structural integrity and thermal performance required for large-area windows and doors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables the production of cost-effective frame assemblies with high mechanical load capacity, excellent thermal insulation, low weight, and reduced warping tendency, suitable for narrow frames, while maintaining optical clarity and ease of cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

fiber-reinforced plastic profiles, for example, those reinforced with glass and/or carbon and/or basalt and/or aramid fibers, are characterized by high mechanical strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber reinforcement: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

Profiles made of fiber-reinforced plastic are frequently used for large-area windows or doors... fiber-reinforced plastic profiles... exhibit better thermal insulation properties than profiles with steel reinforcement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

the thermoplastic matrix of the profiles is produced from low-viscosity monomers that are polymerized during reactive pultrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3670808B1Frame assembly for a door or window
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP3670808B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3670808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3670808B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame assembly for a door or window (1) comprising at least one circumferential sash frame profile (5) enclosing at least one planar infill element, preferably at least one pane of glass (4), and a circumferential frame profile (6) enclosing the sash frame profile (5) in the closed state, wherein the frame profiles (5, 6) preferably comprise fiber-reinforced plastic. According to the invention, the sash frame profile (5) and the frame profile (6) each comprise at least one circumferential hollow chamber profile (7) having at least one hollow chamber (7) and having an identical cross-sectional profile.