Prefabricated Counter-Frame with Insulating Surround
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and skylight counter-frame structures suffer from significant thermal bridges, leading to heat dispersion and reduced insulation efficiency, particularly at the point of anchorage to the wall, which current solutions attempt to address by modifying the building's exterior, increasing installation time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A counter-frame structure is designed as a single block combining a counter-frame and insulating surround, pre-fabricated for immediate installation, adaptable to various frame types and materials, and capable of being supplied with sills, allowing for optimal heat insulation without extensive building intervention, eliminating thermal bridges between the wall and counter-frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external protective skin is connected to door or window frame, then thermal bridge is reduced, but installation time and costs increase due to wall modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-frame and insulating surround are merged into a single integrated block structure. The insulating surround is pre-formed as part of the counter-frame assembly, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and wall modifications. This integration maintains thermal insulation effectiveness while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating surround is pre-installed as an integral part of the counter-frame block before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary action ensures that thermal insulation is already in place, eliminating the need for on-site wall modifications and subsequent insulation installation, thereby reducing installation time and labor costs.
2Loss of energy
If external protective skin is connected to door or window frame, then thermal bridge is reduced, but installation complexity and costs increase due to architect and building contractor involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-frame and insulating surround are merged into a single integrated block structure. The insulating surround is pre-formed as part of the counter-frame assembly, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and wall modifications. This integration maintains thermal insulation effectiveness while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-frame block with integrated insulating surround is designed as a self-contained unit that can be installed independently without requiring coordination with wall construction or additional architectural interventions. The block itself provides both structural support and thermal insulation functions, simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for multiple trades.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional counter-frame structure is used, then installation is simpler, but thermal bridges cause significant heat dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-frame and insulating surround are merged into a single integrated block structure. The insulating surround is pre-formed as part of the counter-frame assembly, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and wall modifications. This integration maintains thermal insulation effectiveness while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite construction by combining the structural counter-frame material with thermal insulation material in a single integrated block. This composite structure provides both mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties, effectively eliminating thermal bridges while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying installation.
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 significantly enhances the thermal efficiency of the frame system by minimizing thermal bridges and reducing installation complexities, enabling efficient insulation of inclined surfaces and various wall thicknesses without burdensome building work, while allowing for a single supplier to handle counter-frames, frames, blinds, and sills.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating surround 12, in heat insulation material, which surrounds counter-frame 10 at least on the sides facing wall 5 in which it is to be placed and facing the exterior of the said wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a counter-frame structure for door/window frames, suitable for insertion in an opening in an external wall or roof of a building, consisting of a counter-frame (10) for a door/window frame and an insulating surround (12) in a heat insulation material which encloses the counter-frame at least on the sides facing the said wall and towards the exterior of the building, where the said counter-frame and insulating surround are interconnected in such a way as to form a single block (1; 2) to be inserted in the opening in the wall.