Passive Window Frame with Metal-Covered Polyurethane Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive building window frames are expensive, lack durability, and fail to meet thermal conductivity standards due to inadequate insulation and design limitations, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption in sustainable construction.
Innovation Solution
An insulating frame with a hidden opening design featuring a wooden section with a metal cover surrounding bonded polyurethane foam insulation, a sash with wedging and alignment means, and a glazing bead system that allows for flexible glazing thickness adaptation, reducing material costs and thermal bridges while enhancing thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional multiple-glazed window frames with protective thermal insulation covers are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and glazing frame width increases limiting natural lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective cover function from the thermal insulation system, applying it only to the frame rather than the entire opening. This eliminates the need for expensive protective covers on the glazing while maintaining thermal insulation performance through the frame's integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional protective cover approach to a three-dimensional integrated frame design where thermal insulation is built into the frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate protective covers and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If traditional multiple-glazed window frames with protective thermal insulation covers are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but glazing frame width increases limiting natural lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the protective cover from the glazing surface, keeping it only on the frame. This reduces the overall frame width while maintaining thermal insulation where structurally necessary, thereby increasing the effective glazing area and natural lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies thermal insulation selectively - with protective cover on the frame where structural support is needed, and without protective cover on the glazing where light transmission is prioritized. This local differentiation optimizes both thermal performance and natural lighting.
3Ease of manufacture
If hidden opening design is used to reduce material costs and improve lighting, then manufacturing cost decreases and natural lighting improves, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to limited insulation to simple interlayer thermal break
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials in the frame structure, combining different materials with complementary thermal properties to achieve high insulation performance without requiring thick protective covers, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness and lighting benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enhances thermal insulation by adding depth and complexity to the frame's cross-sectional structure, creating multiple thermal breaks and insulation layers within the frame itself, achieving passive house standards without compromising the hidden opening design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed glazing thickness in hidden sash window frame is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different glazing requirements decreases and entire chassis must be scrapped for any change
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the glazing system into modular components - the frame structure remains fixed for stability, while the glazing and associated beads can be independently replaced or adjusted, allowing flexibility in glazing thickness without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic glazing system where the glazing thickness can be changed according to requirements, with the frame structure adapting to accommodate different glazing configurations while maintaining overall structural stability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If removable strip is used outside building for flexible glazing, then adaptability to different glazing configurations is improved, but durability decreases due to exposure to weather and break-in risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by placing the adjustable glazing mechanism inside the building rather than outside. This protects the mechanical components from weather exposure and reduces break-in risk, while maintaining adaptability through internal adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary protective structure - the interior glazing bead and sealing system - that shields the adjustable components from direct weather exposure and external threats, allowing flexibility to be maintained in a protected environment.
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 solution achieves high thermal insulation efficiency (U ≤ 0.642 W/(m²K), reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for easy maintenance and future glazing upgrades, while promoting sustainable development through the use of natural materials and improved natural lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a cover formed of a metal profile, the said cover surrounding an insulating material bonded to the outer face of the wooden profile
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to an insulated frame (1) with a concealed sash for multiple glazing, comprising a fixed frame (2) and at least one sash (4). The fixed frame (2) comprises a wooden profile (3) which carries on its outward-facing face a cover (10) formed by a metal profile. This cover (10) surrounds a profile made of insulating material (9). The sash (4) comprises a wooden profile supporting multiple glazing (5). The inward-facing face of the glazing (5) is fixed by a first bonding means (23) to a wooden glazing bead (7). The glazing bead (7) and the wooden profile of the sash (4) comprise means for mutual shimming and alignment (21, 22). The glazing bead (7) is fixed to the wooden profile of the sash (4) by a second bonding means (25).