Mullion Cover Linkage for Adjustable Window Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for mullion joints between windows or doors require customized tooling for unique angles and spacings, which is costly and time-consuming, and existing caps may not adequately fit different orientations and spacings, leading to delays and inventory challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mullion cover linkage system that includes adjustable wings and a pivot clip, allowing for customizable coverage across various angles and spacings without the need for specialized tooling, featuring rotatable wings that pivot around a common axis to match the orientation of the windows or doors, and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If customized tooling is used to generate unique caps for specific angles and spacings, then the cap fits the mullion joint precisely, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion cover linkage is designed as a universal adjustable system that can accommodate multiple angles and spacings through its rotatable wings and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for customized tooling for each specific application while maintaining precise fit
2Manufacturing precision
If customized tooling is manufactured for unique cap configurations, then the cap can be produced accurately, but the production time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion cover linkage incorporates dynamic adjustable components including rotatable wings and movable positioning elements that allow the same tooling to be quickly reconfigured for different angles and spacings, eliminating the time-consuming process of manufacturing custom tooling for each configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cap sizes and configurations are kept in inventory to meet different spacing and angle requirements, then adequate cap configurations are available, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion cover linkage serves as a universal system that can produce caps for various spacing and angle requirements through its adjustable mechanisms, eliminating the need to maintain multiple different cap configurations in inventory while still providing adequate coverage for different installation scenarios
4Strength
If rigid molded plastic or extruded aluminum caps are used, then the cap provides structural strength and weather resistance, but the cap cannot adapt to different angles and spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion cover linkage incorporates adjustable mechanical components including rotatable wings and positioning mechanisms that allow the same structural cap design to be adapted to different angles and spacings, maintaining structural strength and weather resistance while providing versatility for various installation configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A mullion cover linkage assembly includes a first wing including a first wing span extending from a first wing frame end to a first wing pivot end. The first wing frame end is configured for coupling with a first window frame. The linkage further includes a second wing having a second wing span extending from a second wing frame end to a second wing pivot end. The first and second wings are movably coupled with one another as a linkage. Optionally, a pivot clip is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot flanges at first and second pivot joints each including respective pivot flanges of the first and second wings received in one of the first and second clip sockets.