Modular Threshold Connector for Diverse Window Frame Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for door or window frames to thresholds are inflexible and require costly, time-consuming adaptations to match varying frame and attachment profile geometries, necessitating specialized tools and increasing logistics complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector with adjustable support elements that can be configured in multiple positions to match different frame and attachment profile shapes, using asymmetrical trapezoidal support surfaces and interlocking projections/recesses for secure alignment, allowing for flexible adaptation without additional tools or effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If known connectors are used with predetermined outer contour shapes, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different frame profile geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple support elements (first support element, second support element, third support element) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each support element can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various frame profile geometries, while the modular structure maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static, predetermined shape to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The support elements can be positioned at different locations and orientations to match different frame profiles, allowing the connector to adapt its outer contour dynamically during assembly without requiring custom manufacturing for each profile type.
2Shape
If connectors are adapted to match frame profile cross-sections through milling, then shape correspondence is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are pre-configured with specific geometries and connection features that allow them to be directly positioned and attached to match frame profiles without requiring on-site milling or adaptation. The preliminary design of the support elements incorporates various configuration possibilities, enabling direct installation that preserves both shape correspondence and time efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized processing tools are used for connector adaptation, then shape precision is improved, but logistics expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design enables self-adjustment through the configurable support elements that can be positioned and fixed using standard assembly methods. The system serves itself by providing multiple pre-designed support element configurations that can be selected and assembled to match different frame profiles without requiring external specialized tools or complex logistics for tool management.
4Productivity
If connector shape is fixed by manufacturing process, then production efficiency is improved, but flexibility in assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into multiple independently configurable support elements, the design maintains high production efficiency through standardized manufacturing of each element while providing assembly flexibility through different positioning and configuration options of the segments during installation.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
Connector (100) for connecting the standing part of a door or window frame to a threshold, the frame comprising at least one profile element (600) with a predetermined outer contour (601) and a predetermined cross-section (602), the threshold comprising a threshold profile (500) with a predetermined outer contour (501), comprising a first support element (300), with a first connection area (301) which is connectable to the threshold profile (500) and preferably fixable to it, and wherein the first connection area (301) continues at least a part of the outer contour (501) of the threshold profile, and with a first support area (302) which has a first support surface (303) oriented at least partially in a substantially horizontal direction for supporting at least a part of the cross-section (602) of the profile element (600), and a second support element (200), with a second support area (201),which has a second support surface (202) oriented at least partially in a substantially horizontal direction for supporting a remaining cross-section of the profile element (600) which is not supported by the first support surface, and/or for supporting a connecting profile (700) placed in front of the profile element (600), wherein the second support area (201) is trapezoidal in plan view, wherein the first support element (300) has a second connection area (305), and the second support element (200) has a third connection area (240), and wherein the second and third connection areas (305, 240) are configured to correspond in such a way that the third connection area (240) can be connected to the second connection area (305) in at least two different predefined positions.