Offset Holding Element for Building Frame Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Newer frame designs with conical outward areas lack sufficient overlap between the frame projection and the holding element's fastening section, resulting in gaps that allow insects to enter, compromising the seal of protective devices attached to building openings.

Innovation Solution

A holding element with a fastening section, spacer bar, and holding leg, where the fastening section is offset from the holding plane defined by the spacer web and holding leg, ensuring a greater overlap and seal by aligning the spacer bar and holding leg orthogonally and using a connecting section to enhance the overlap in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the frame has a conical outward region design, then the frame structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the overlap between the frame projection and holding element is insufficient creating gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structureVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension by offsetting the fastening section from the holding plane along the spacer bar. This dimensional shift allows the frame to overlap the building opening frame in multiple directions (both laterally and longitudinally), eliminating gaps without changing the conical frame structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element acts as an intermediary between the protective device and the building opening frame. By incorporating the offset fastening section with spacer bar and holding leg, it mediates the connection to achieve sufficient overlap and sealing performance despite the simplified conical frame design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the fastening section is aligned with the holding plane, then the holding element structure is simpler, but the overlap with the frame is insufficient allowing insect entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding element structureVSAvoidinsect entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section is positioned in another dimension (offset along the spacer bar direction) relative to the holding plane. This creates a three-dimensional configuration that increases overlap in multiple directions, preventing insect entry while adding only minimal structural complexity through the offset arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element is segmented into distinct functional parts: the fastening section for attachment, the spacer bar for positioning and offset, and the holding leg for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the offset fastening section achieving sealing without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4001583B1Holding element and protective device with such a holding element
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 BUDENBENDER ARND
  • EP4001583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a retaining element (1) for a protective device (6) to be attached to a frame (13) of a building opening, comprising a fastening section (2) for fastening the retaining element (1) to the protective device, a spacer (3) and a retaining leg (4), wherein the spacer (3) and the retaining leg (4) define a holding plane, wherein the fastening section (2) is arranged offset from the holding plane.