Modular Window Frame System with Adjustable Jamb Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in providing a wide range of door and window frame sizes with a limited inventory of component parts, leading to increased costs and potential loss of custom orders as customers seek tailored solutions elsewhere.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame construction system utilizing adjustable components such as glazing caps, jamb legs, and glazing stops with interchangeable parts and scoring lines for easy adjustment, allowing for various frame configurations and glass thicknesses, enabling a wide range of frame sizes to be constructed with a minimal inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manufacturer provides many different sizes of frame components, then a wide range of frame configurations can be accommodated, but inventory costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame components are divided into modular segments with standardized dimensions. Each component (jamb, sill, header, trim) is segmented into discrete size increments that can be combined in various configurations. This segmentation allows a limited set of standardized parts to create a wide variety of frame sizes through different combinations and arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes universal component designs that can serve multiple functions and configurations. A single component type with standardized dimensions and attachment mechanisms can be used across different frame sizes and styles. The components are designed with universal features such as standardized mortise and tenon joints, consistent thickness variations, and interchangeable elements that allow one part to fulfill multiple roles in different assembly contexts.
2Quantity of substance
If a manufacturer limits the sizes of finished frames to reduce inventory, then inventory costs decrease, but custom ordering opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The frame construction system incorporates dynamic adjustability through movable components and flexible assembly methods. Elements such as adjustable trim lengths, reconfigurable bracing, and modular panel arrangements allow the same basic frame structure to be dynamically adapted to different size requirements. This dynamic capability enables custom sizing without requiring pre-manufactured custom parts for each possible dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in component dimensions within standardized increments. By varying parameters such as component length, width, and thickness in predetermined steps, a limited set of standardized components can generate a wide range of frame sizes. The system allows parameter adjustment through selective combination of components with different parameter values rather than requiring custom manufacturing for each size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable and interchangeable components are used, then frame configuration flexibility increases, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous design principles where all components within a category share common characteristics, attachment methods, and dimensional standards. Trims, bracing elements, and panels use consistent joining mechanisms and interface geometries. This homogeneity reduces the cognitive and operational complexity of assembling varied configurations from standardized parts, as the same assembly procedures apply across different component combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A window and door frame system comprising members that fit together to enable a wide variety of window and door frame configurations and sizes to be constructed. The system comprises interlocking components that can be arranged in a variety of spacing combinations to enable building of frames in different configurations with a small set of components.