Two-Piece Plastic Thermal Barrier with Snap Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current window frame manufacturing processes are inefficient due to the inability to integrate thermal insulation within thermal barriers, leading to structural strength issues, transportation damage, and limited flexibility in design, resulting in increased construction costs and labor.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece plastic thermal barrier with a snap connector and film hinge allows for easy removal and replacement of parts, enabling full integration of thermal insulation during composite profile production, and can be repaired or modified for different seal geometries, using ABS and TPE materials coextruded in a specific orientation to prevent fusion and ensure ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If thermal insulation is integrated with thermal barrier, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal barrier is divided into a first part and a second part that can be selectively assembled. The first part provides structural strength while the second part provides thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second part (thermal insulation) is nested within or attached to the first part (structural barrier). The insulating chambers are formed by the combination of both parts, creating a nested structure where the insulation is housed within the structural framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If thermal insulation is integrated with thermal barrier, then production efficiency is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal barrier is segmented into removable first and second parts connected by snap connectors. This allows the second part to be easily removed and replaced during repair without damaging the first part or the overall structure, maintaining ease of repair while enabling integrated insulation production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows damaged portions of the second part to be easily discarded and replaced with new parts. The snap connector system enables quick removal of damaged sections and installation of replacement parts without complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If thermal insulation is integrated with thermal barrier, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular first and second parts can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows different configurations, materials, and insulation types to be used in different applications while maintaining a standardized connection system, thus preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connector system and basic first part design serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling easy assembly, allowing for repairs, and accommodating different insulation configurations. This universal design maintains adaptability across various window and door applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If thermal insulation is integrated with thermal barrier, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal barrier is segmented into a load-bearing first part and a removable second part. This segmentation concentrates the structural integrity requirements on the first part while allowing the second part to be easily operated (removed/replaced) without compromising overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connector acts as an intermediary between the first and second parts, providing a secure mechanical connection that maintains structural integrity while allowing for easy engagement and disengagement. The connector mediates between the conflicting requirements of strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3084109B2Plastic insulating course, composite profile and window that comprise such an insulating course and method for producing a frame for a window

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 ALUK

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AI summary

Plastic insulating course (9) to connect an inner shell (7,21) and an outer shell (6,22) of a window frame (2,3) or a door frame together, characterised in that the insulating course (9) comprises a first part (10) that is provided with means (11) to connect it to an inner shell (7,21) and an outer shell (6,22), and comprises a second part (14), whereby these parts (10,14) are connected to one another in a hinged way by means of a film hinge (13) and are provided with mutually complementary elements (15,16,17,18) of a snap connector to be able to fasten the two parts (10,14) together.