Modular Window Preframe for Airtight, Watertight Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of window frames in prefabricated walls is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires non-reusable materials like foam, glue, and tape, leading to inefficiencies and environmental waste.
Innovation Solution
A preframe system using elastically deformable corner pieces and profiles with longitudinal grooves, clamps, and anchoring plates to facilitate standardized, airtight, and watertight installation, eliminating the need for non-reusable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional window frame installation methods are used with foam, glue, and tape, then airtight and watertight installation is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and generates environmental waste
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is divided into distinct modular components: corner pieces with deformation elements, profiles with recesses, clamps, and anchoring plates. Each component has a specific function, and they assemble together to create the complete window frame installation structure, eliminating the need for continuous application of foam and glue.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces are pre-formed with elastically deformable elements that are ready to engage with the profiles. The profiles are pre-formed with recesses and protrusions that guide the assembly process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site application of sealing materials and reduces installation steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional window frame installation methods are used with multiple materials, then proper alignment and sealing are achieved, but the process requires skilled labor and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The corner pieces have asymmetric deformation elements with specific orientations, and the profiles have corresponding asymmetric recesses and protrusions. This asymmetric design ensures that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, automatically achieving proper alignment without requiring skilled labor for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable elements in the corner pieces act as intermediaries that facilitate the connection between profiles. These elements can deform to accommodate slight variations in positioning, then spring back to secure the connection, mediating between the rigid profiles and the installation process.
3Reliability
If traditional installation materials like foam and tape are used, then sealing is achieved, but non-reusable materials contribute to environmental waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses reusable metal or plastic components (corner pieces, profiles, clamps, anchoring plates) that can be removed and reused in future installations. The elastically deformable elements can be deformed during installation but retain their shape and can be reused, eliminating the need to discard sealing materials after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection system using deformable elements, clamps, and anchoring plates replaces the chemical sealing system of foam and adhesive tapes. The sealing is achieved through precise mechanical fit and contact between components rather than through chemical bonding, allowing for reuse and reducing material waste.
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 preframe system ensures proper alignment and sealing, simplifying the installation process while reducing material waste and ensuring airtight and watertight results.
Implementation Method 1
placing four corner pieces in respective corners of said rectangular opening, said corner pieces being at least partially made from an elastically deformable material; creating a preframe by placing four profiles along respective sides of said rectangular opening between pairs of said corner pieces, whereby said profiles are kept in place by a tensioning force applied by said pairs of corner pieces
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves placing four corner pieces in the corners of a rectangular opening in a wall, creating a preframe by placing four profiles along the sides of the opening, securing clamps to the upper part of a window frame, arranged to engage with corresponding parts of said preframe, and securing anchoring plates on the window frame. The method may further include placing a support profile onto the bottom profile of the preframe, positioning a window frame in the preframe, engaging the clamps with the preframe, and engaging tensioning wedges with the anchoring plates. The method may also include placing an outer sill in the space defined by the support profile and an outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile, installing an outer window trim that engages with the anterior groove of the profiles, and finishing the inside of the wall by securing a stool against the preframe.