One-Piece Panel Frame for Fastener-Free Pane Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable barrier systems, such as garage doors, often require multiple parts and fasteners for securing windowpanes, leading to increased costs, complexity, and inefficiencies in installation and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece frame system is used to secure a pane within a panel, utilizing members and flanges that bend and snap into place, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing the number of required parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-piece frame system is used to secure a pane, then the pane can be securely held, but the number of fasteners and installation complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front frame and back frame into a single one-piece frame structure that integrates both the securing function and the mounting function. The frame includes an outer ledge for mounting to the panel and inner ledges for securing the pane, eliminating the need for separate front and back frames and their associated fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate fasteners and integrates it into the one-piece frame structure itself. The frame includes built-in features such as the outer ledge with mounting holes and inner ledges with pane securing mechanisms, removing the need for additional fasteners.
2Reliability
If a two-piece frame system with multiple fasteners is used, then the pane can be securely mounted, but material costs and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (front frame, back frame, fasteners) into a single one-piece frame structure, reducing the total number of parts from dozens to one. This consolidation maintains mounting security while dramatically reducing inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece frame performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, secures the pane through inner ledges, and mounts to the panel through the outer ledge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
3Strength
If traditional two-frame systems are used, then adequate support is provided, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the front frame and back frame into one piece, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps from installing two separate frames with multiple fasteners to installing a single pre-integrated structure, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece frame is pre-manufactured with all necessary structural features, ledges, and mounting capabilities already integrated. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple components, reducing installation time and labor requirements.
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 one-piece frame system simplifies installation, reduces material and labor costs, and enhances inventory efficiency by minimizing the number of parts needed for frame assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a pane is configured to move into the frame opening in a manner that the pane engages the member and elastically deflects the member until the pane moves past the member
Implementation Method 2
a flange extending at an angle not more than about 90 degrees relative to the outer surface of the one-piece frame in a manner that when the one-piece frame is positioned within the opening, the flange may engage a portion of the panel bending inwardly until the flange reaches an end of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier system having a one-piece frame for a panel of a movable barrier may include a panel comprising an opening. The one-piece frame may be configured to be positioned within the opening in a manner that at least one outer surface of the one-piece frame couples with at least a portion of the panel. An inner surface of the one-piece frame may be substantially opposite the outer surface. A member of the one-piece frame may extend at an angle not more than about 90 degrees relative to the inner surface. A ledge of the one-piece frame may extend from the inner surface. A pane may be configured to move into a frame opening of the one-piece frame in a manner that the pane engages the member to extend substantially parallel to the inner surface until the pane moves adjacent to the ledge.