Modular Joinery Fastening for Gap and Plumb Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for joinery, such as window and door frames, require custom-made dimensions to match the gap between the joinery and the wall, lack adjustability for verticality, and complicate installation, especially in renovation scenarios where old frames need removal.

Innovation Solution

A modular fastening device comprising a fixing support with a bore and upstream and downstream bolts, where each bolt has a threaded shank and head with complementary threading, allowing for extension and adjustment to fit various thicknesses and ensuring modularity, along with a screw for wall penetration and a washer for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixing bracket with a bore and screw is used to fix the window frame to the wall, then the frame can be fixed to the wall, but the device must be custom-made to match the exact gap between the window frame and the wall, complicating installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different gapsVSAvoidcustom-made requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into modular components: a fixing bracket and multiple extendable bolts that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic components to adapt to various gap distances without requiring custom-made devices for each installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt assembly includes extendable mechanisms that allow adjustment of the effective length to match different gaps between the window frame and wall. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for custom-made fixed-length brackets for each specific gap measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixed-length fixing bracket is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adjust to wall defects or excessive plaster thickness, causing the frame to tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidplumb stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates adjustable bolt mechanisms that can be extended or repositioned to compensate for wall irregularities such as defects or excessive plaster thickness. This dynamic adjustment ensures the window frame remains plumb and stable without requiring perfectly uniform wall surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The effective length and position of the fixing bolts can be changed to adapt to varying wall conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the device maintains proper frame alignment and plumb stability regardless of wall defects or variations in plaster thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple custom-made fixing devices are obtained for different gap distances, then each installation can be precisely fitted, but the task becomes complicated when multiple installations with varying distances are involved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise fittingVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal fixing device design with adjustable and extendable components can accommodate multiple gap distances and installation scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the same basic device to be used across different installations, eliminating the need to obtain and manage multiple custom-made devices for varying distances.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device uses modular segmented components that can be assembled in different configurations to achieve precise fitting for various gap distances. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision while improving installation efficiency, as workers can adapt the modular components rather than installing entirely different custom-made devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If a simple fixing bracket is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it offers no possibility of adjusting the plumb of the joinery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidplumb adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates adjustable bolt mechanisms that enable plumb adjustment of the joinery while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through straightforward mechanical means that do not require complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3693621B1Modular attachment for woodwork
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 GRAND
  • EP3693621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4b
  • EP3693621B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3693621B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Fixing device (100), for the installation of joinery, comprising a fixing support (10), formed of a bore (11) mounted on a base (12), and an upstream bolt (20) provided with a shank (21) and a head (22), said bore being suitable for receiving said shank, said fixing device comprising at least one downstream bolt (20), identical to the upstream bolt, provided with a shank (21) and a head (22), the head of at least one downstream bolt comprising a bore (221) suitable for receiving a part of the shank of the upstream bolt.