Nested U-H Profile Upright for Sliding Bay Window Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding bay window frames face challenges with excessive thickness and light occultation when bays are offset, leading to significant thermal losses and increased manufacturing costs, particularly when one bay is sliding relative to the other.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two longitudinal sections with specific cross-sectional profiles (H and U shapes) that allow for reduced thickness and width, integrated seal and housing means, and thermal insulation, enabling efficient assembly and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two bays are arranged in offset parallel planes, then the frame width can be reduced, but the overall thickness increases significantly due to two juxtaposed sections
Solution Approach 1:
The second profile (U-shape) is nested within the first profile (H-shape) by placing it in the space defined by the transverse wall and lateral wings. The second profile's lateral branches are positioned within the half-space delimited by the transverse wall, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall thickness while maintaining frame width
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from offset parallel plane arrangement to same-plane arrangement by repositioning the two bays from three-dimensional offset to two-dimensional coplanar configuration. This dimensional change allows the uprights to be slightly thicker than glazing while achieving both reduced thickness and width simultaneously
2Length of stationary object
If two bays are arranged in the same plane, then the frame thickness is reduced, but the total width increases leading to significant light occultation and thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The second profile is nested within the space defined by the first profile's transverse wall and lateral wings. The nested configuration allows the second profile's lateral branches to be positioned within the available space, reducing the overall width occupation while maintaining both bay positions in the same plane
Solution Approach 2:
The first lateral wing has a width less than the second lateral wing, creating asymmetric local dimensions. This local quality variation allows optimization of space utilization - the narrower first lateral wing reduces width occupation and light occultation, while the wider second lateral wing provides sufficient space for the nested second profile and structural requirements
3Strength
If uprights are made thicker to accommodate lock elements and structural requirements, then structural integrity is improved, but light obstruction and thermal losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the second profile within the first profile's defined space allows lock elements and structural components to be accommodated within the compact upright structure. The second profile's lateral branches and bases provide mounting spaces for closure elements while maintaining minimal overall dimensions, reducing thermal bridges and light obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The upright employs composite construction with the first profile (H-shape) and second profile (U-shape) made of different materials or configurations. The first lateral wing can be made of thermally insulating material while the second lateral wing provides structural support, creating a composite structure that balances strength requirements with thermal insulation performance
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The post has a U-shaped cross section (20) contained in spaces defined by a part of half spaces that is delimited by a transverse wall (13), which is located between portions (31, 32) of side wings (11, 12) located in half space. The portions of the side wings are not in contact with two side branches (23, 26) of the U-shaped cross section. A base (27) is closer to the transverse wall of H-shaped cross section. Another base (28) is closer to one of the side wings and farther than other side wing.