L-Shaped Thermal Insulating Profile for Window Frame Rebate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joinery solutions for windows and doors with fixed frames suffer from inadequate thermal and acoustic insulation, particularly due to thermal bridges formed by metallic materials like aluminum, which are difficult to insulate effectively across their entire length.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped thermal insulating profile is added to the frame's rebate, comprising a side wing covering the metal side wall and a return wing covering the metal angle, made from materials with lower thermal conductivity than the frame's structural profiles, including a structural element and an insulating element, often cellular thermoplastic materials, to enhance insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic materials like aluminum are used for the frame's structural profiles, then mechanical strength and structural integrity are improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested thermal insulation profiles within the frame structure. An first thermal insulation profile is nested within the rebate, and a second thermal insulation profile is nested within the first profile, creating concentric insulating layers that effectively block thermal bridges while maintaining the metallic frame's structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining metallic structural profiles with multiple thermal insulation profiles made of different insulating materials. This creates a hybrid structure that leverages the strength of metal while incorporating multiple layers of thermal resistance to eliminate thermal bridging effects
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation profiles are added to the rebate, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal insulation system into segmented components - a first thermal insulation profile and a second thermal insulation profile - that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation allows for modular assembly within the rebate structure, managing complexity through standardized discrete elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary thermal insulation profiles that mediate between the metallic frame structure and the opening. These intermediate elements serve as thermal barriers without requiring complete redesign of the frame, acting as mediators that reduce thermal bridges while integrating with existing structural components
3Loss of energy
If the thermal insulation profile covers the entire metal surface, then thermal insulation is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation profiles at specific critical locations within the rebate where thermal bridging occurs most significantly, rather than uniformly covering the entire frame. This localized approach targets the most problematic thermal pathways while simplifying manufacturing and installation processes
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 solution significantly improves thermal insulation by reducing heat transfer through the frame's rebate, effectively addressing the thermal bridge issues and enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulating profile (15) added to said rebate (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The woodwork has a right dihedral shaped frame rabbet (13) equipped with a L or square shaped integrated thermal insulation section (15), which covers a part of lateral and bottom surfaces (13a, 13b) of the rabbet. Coefficient of thermal conductivity of the section is less than the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material of structured sections (10, 11) of a frame (2). The insulation section has a structure element (16) extended parallel to the structured sections, where the element is made of thermoplastic material.