Modular Window Assembly with Concealed Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window assemblies require unique base frame designs to match exterior accessory frames and often necessitate direct attachment to building structures, complicating installation and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A modular window assembly kit comprising a base frame assembly, accessory support frame assembly, and exterior accessory frame assembly, where the accessory support frame is connected to the building structure via fasteners, and the exterior accessory frame conceals these fasteners, allowing for varied exterior profiles and flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base frame is directly attached to the building structure with fasteners, then structural integrity is ensured, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
An accessory support frame assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the base frame and the building structure. This support frame receives fasteners for attachment to the building structure while providing mounting features for the exterior accessory frame, which then conceals the fasteners. This mediator approach maintains structural integrity through proper fastening while achieving clean aesthetic appearance by hiding the fasteners within the accessory frame assembly.
2Shape
If the base frame is uniquely designed to match each exterior accessory frame, then aesthetic compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory support frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the base frame, offers mounting features for various exterior accessory frames, and conceals fasteners. By making the support frame universal and adaptable to different accessory frame types rather than designing unique base frames for each accessory type, the system achieves aesthetic compatibility while reducing overall device complexity and enabling interchangeability of exterior accessories.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the exterior accessory frame is connected to both the building structure and the base frame, then structural stability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the base frame, the accessory support frame assembly, and the exterior accessory frame. The support frame assembly acts as an independent intermediate structure that can be attached to the building structure first, then the base frame mounted to it, and finally the exterior accessory frame attached to complete the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be installed separately and independently, greatly simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural stability through the multi-level connection system.
Data Source
AI summary
Window assemblies and methods for making window assemblies are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the window assembly can include a base frame assembly, an accessory support frame assembly, and an exterior accessory frame assembly. The base frame assembly is connected to and supported by the accessory support frame. The accessory support frame can be attached to a building structure via a first plurality of fasteners. The exterior accessory frame assembly, which provides much of the exterior aesthetic appearance of the window assembly, can be connected to the accessory support frame via a second plurality of fasteners which are concealed from view by the exterior accessory frame. In one example, the accessory members conceal the first plurality of fasteners once the exterior accessory assembly is connected to the base frame assembly. Many different styles of exterior accessory frames can be supported by the accessory support frame.