Window And Balcony Door Frame With Inter-Pane Load-Bearing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door frames struggle to effectively support double glazing units while providing a fine aesthetic effect, high brightness, and thermal insulation, often resulting in visible thermal bridges and limited material flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A window and balcony door frame design featuring a load-bearing frame positioned between the panes, covered by them, and modules that are partly visible, supported by structural glues, allowing for different materials and reduced visual impact, with thermal insulation elements and hidden load-bearing frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the movable frame is positioned externally to wrap around the double glazing unit, then the structural support for the panes is effective, but the aesthetic value and brightness are reduced due to visible frame elements
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing frame is nested between the two panes of the double glazing unit, with the first pane covering the first contact surface and the second pane covering the second contact surface. This nesting arrangement hides the load-bearing frame within the glazing assembly, eliminating visible frame elements while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing frame is repositioned from an external peripheral arrangement to an internal position between the panes. This dimensional relocation moves the frame from the external boundary dimension to the internal inter-pane dimension, achieving both structural support and aesthetic improvement by maximizing glass surface area.
2Illumination intensity
If the movable frame is sandwiched between the panes and covered by them, then the aesthetic value and brightness are improved, but the structural support capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the load-bearing frame for structural support and the modules for aesthetic and functional purposes. The load-bearing frame is specifically designed with contact surfaces that transfer pane weights to the modules, separating the support function from the visible frame elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules serve as intermediaries between the load-bearing frame and the external environment. These modules are connected to the load-bearing frame and extend toward the perimeter edges of the panes, mediating the structural support function while providing aesthetic coverage and housing opening/closing means.
3Strength
If traditional window/door frames are used, then the structural requirements are met, but thermal insulation is compromised due to visible thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the frame structure are assigned different thermal properties. The load-bearing frame is positioned between the panes where thermal bridges are less critical, while thermal insulation elements are strategically placed in the modules and at critical junctions to provide localized thermal protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly uses composite construction combining the load-bearing frame (for structural strength) with modules that can incorporate thermal insulation elements. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of structural support and thermal insulation by combining materials and components with different functional properties.
4Area of stationary object
If the movable frame has wide glass surface area, then the brightness and aesthetic value are increased, but the complexity of meeting both mechanical and aesthetic requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is segmented into the load-bearing frame and separate modules, allowing independent optimization of each component. The load-bearing frame can be simplified in design since it only needs to provide support, while the modules handle aesthetic and functional requirements, reducing overall construction complexity despite large glass areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
The window and balcony door frame (1) comprises: - at least one fixed frame (2) associable with a wall wherein an opening is cut; and - at least one leaf (3) movable with respect to said fixed frame (2), comprising at least one double glazing unit (4) provided with at least two transparent panes (5, 6, 7); wherein the leaf (3) comprises at least one load-bearing frame (8) coupled to the double glazing unit (4), positioned between the panes (5, 6, 7) and covered by these and fixed to the panes (5, 6, 7) by means of structural glues, and wherein the leaf (3) comprises at least one module (11) adapted to support opening/closing means of the leaf (3), positioned between the panes (5, 6, 7) and separate from the load-bearing frame (8).