Multifold Window Profile Element for Blocking and Adhesive Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing window or door sashes, such as conventional blocking and adhesive technology, lack versatility and efficiency in meeting customer needs, as they require different profile elements for each production method, increasing complexity and costs for manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A profile element with a multifold design, featuring a fold base divided into three sections, allowing for both blocking and adhesive production, combined with a centering element that includes a plate-shaped base body with mounting webs and springs for secure glazing centering, enabling the same profile to be used for various production methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If different profile elements are used for blocking and adhesive production methods, then each production method can be optimized, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction method optimizationVSAvoidprofile element variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile element is designed with a multi-functional fold base that can accommodate both blocking and adhesive production methods. The fold base includes a first section with an inclined course for blocking integration, a second section with perpendicular profile for adhesive application, and a third section providing additional support. This allows a single profile element to serve multiple production purposes, reducing the need for different specialized profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fold base is divided into three distinct sections, each optimized for specific functions. The first section integrates with blocking, the second section provides a perpendicular surface for adhesive application, and the third section offers additional support. This segmentation allows the single profile element to accommodate multiple production methods simultaneously through differentiated zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple profile elements are maintained for different production methods, then customer needs can be met, but storage complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer requirement satisfactionVSAvoidprofile element inventory
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The profile element combines features required for both blocking and adhesive production into a single universal component. The fold base's multi-section design enables it to function in both production methodologies, allowing manufacturers to maintain a reduced inventory of profile elements while still meeting diverse customer requirements for different production preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single profile element is used for both blocking and adhesive production, then storage complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile element varietyVSAvoidfold base geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fold base is segmented into three sections with distinct geometric characteristics. The first section has an inclined course optimized for blocking integration, the second section has a perpendicular profile for adhesive application, and the third section provides additional support. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the fold base have locally optimized geometries suited to their specific functions. The inclined first section facilitates blocking integration, while the perpendicular second section enables precise adhesive application. This local quality approach allows high manufacturing precision to be achieved only where critically needed, rather than uniformly across the entire profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If conventional blocking method is used, then structural strength is achieved, but adaptability to different production preferences is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazing connectionVSAvoidproduction method flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The profile element maintains the structural strength benefits of conventional blocking through its first section design, while simultaneously providing the flexibility to accommodate adhesive production methods through its second and third sections. This multi-functionality allows the same profile to satisfy both structurally-oriented customers preferring blocking and those preferring adhesive technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive technology is used, then production flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction method flexibilityVSAvoidfold base geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fold base is segmented to provide a dedicated second section with a perpendicular profile specifically optimized for adhesive application. This segmentation concentrates the precision requirements to a specific zone rather than distributing them throughout the entire profile, making the precision requirements more manageable during manufacturing while maintaining overall production flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 multifold profile element and centering element combination simplifies production, reduces storage complexity, and provides a cost-effective solution by enabling the same profile to be used for both conventional blocking and adhesive technologies, enhancing the manufacturer's ability to meet diverse customer requirements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one centering spring, which rises up in the first section relative to the plane of the plate and is designed in such a way that it causes a restoring force in the opposite direction when a load is applied in the direction of the plane of the plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring restoring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

at least one tensioning spring projecting laterally in relation to the base body and essentially parallel to the plane of the panel, which is designed in such a way that it causes a restoring force in the opposite direction when a load is applied in the direction of the base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring restoring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

in which a firm and permanent connection of glazing and frame is achieved by means of an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3272990B1Profile element and centring element for a door or window leaf
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 ALUPLAST GMBH DE
  • EP3272990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272990B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3272990B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A profile element (1) for the manufacture of profile frames for window or door sashes is proposed, comprising a rebate (2) for receiving glazing (4), comprising a lateral rebate surface (2a) and a rebate base (2b), which lateral rebate surface (2a) is designed and intended to overlap a lateral edge of the glazing (4), while the rebate base (2b) is designed and intended to overlap an end face of the glazing (4), wherein the rebate base (2) is divided into three sections, namely a first section (I) which is directly adjacent to the lateral rebate surface (2a) and in which the rebate base (2b) has a sloping course inclined towards the lateral rebate surface (2a); a second section (II) which adjoins the first section (I), is separated from it by a step (2c) and in which the fold base (2b) has a course that is essentially perpendicular to the lateral fold surface (2a);and a third section (III) adjoining the second section (II) in which the fold base (2b) has a substantially perpendicular course to the lateral fold surface (2a), wherein the second section (II) and the third section (III) have different height levels compared to each other.