Interchangeable Window Frame Sub-Assembly for Overhead Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact-resistant window assemblies for overhead doors are costly, aesthetically unpleasing, difficult to install, and do not meet the requirements for wind and debris impact resistance as per local building codes, particularly in hurricane-prone regions like South Florida.
Innovation Solution
The design features interchangeable window frame sub-assemblies that securely hold glazing elements without a structural back frame, providing impact resistance and meeting building code criteria, while being cost-effective and easy to install across various door panel constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional impact-resistant window assemblies are used to meet wind and debris impact resistance requirements, then the door achieves the required strength and reliability, but the cost increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into separate modular components: a window frame, glazing elements, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized properties, simplifying installation while maintaining impact resistance through proper assembly of the modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting brackets serve as intermediary elements between the window frame and the door panel. These brackets provide a simplified connection interface that achieves the required structural attachment without complex fastening procedures, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional impact-resistant window assemblies are used to meet building code requirements, then the door achieves required strength, but the aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame and glazing elements are designed with differentiated local qualities: the structural portions (frame, brackets) are engineered for impact resistance, while the visible portions (glazing, frame surfaces) are finished to provide aesthetic appeal. This allows different regions of the same component to serve different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly uses composite construction combining materials with different properties: structurally robust materials (such as reinforced frames) provide impact resistance, while aesthetically pleasing materials (such as finished surfaces or decorative glazing) provide visual appeal. The composite structure integrates both functional requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional impact-resistant window assemblies are used, then the door meets building code requirements, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs cost-effective materials and construction methods that provide the required impact resistance without excessive cost. The modular nature of the assembly allows for economical manufacturing and potential replacement if needed, reducing the overall cost burden while meeting code requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly design serves multiple functions simultaneously: the same structure provides both impact resistance and aesthetic appearance, eliminates the need for separate structural back frames, and simplifies installation. This multi-functionality reduces the total cost by consolidating requirements into a single integrated solution.
4Strength
If a structural back frame is used to support glazing elements, then the window assembly achieves required strength, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame and mounting structure are merged into a single integrated assembly. The mounting brackets are designed to work directly with the window frame, eliminating the need for a separate structural back frame. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the required structural support for the glazing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Overhead door panels are used in a variety of overhead doors styles and construction designs, each of which may be of different panel thicknesses and construction. Each of the panels includes a window opening to receive a window assembly therein. Window frame sub-assemblies are substantially interchangeable with one another and may be used in the variety of overhead door panel construction styles. Each window frame sub-assembly may include a front frame to be installed in the window opening. Glazing elements are mounted within each of the front frames and fasteners secure the glazing element to the front frame. Retainers may be juxtaposed to the back face of the door panels and coupled to one of the window frame sub-assemblies to thereby provide a window in the respective first or second overhead door panels. Advantageous features of this invention include the window frame sub-assemblies being interchangeable in a variety of overhead door panel designs irrespective of the thickness or construction of the door panel being a pan or fully insulated sandwich door construction.