PVC-U Fire Window with Metal Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant windows and doors made of steel profiles have poor thermal insulation and high maintenance costs, while those using plastic profiles fail to meet stringent fire resistance requirements, such as the F30 test, due to insufficient structural support during thermal loads.

Innovation Solution

A casement window framework utilizing at least four hollow-chamber PVC-U profiles with metal reinforcement and a continuous metal mounting bracket to securely retain a fire-resistant glazing, which includes intumescent materials and steel components for enhanced structural integrity and thermal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steel profiles are used for fire-resistant windows, then fire resistance is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The window framework uses a composite structure combining PVC-U profiles with metal reinforcement elements. The PVC-U profiles provide thermal insulation while the metal reinforcement (corner brackets and mounting brackets) ensures fire resistance and structural stability. This composite approach allows the window to meet both fire resistance standards and thermal insulation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If plastic profiles are used for fire-resistant windows, then thermal insulation is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines plastic PVC-U profiles with metal reinforcement components to create a composite structure that achieves both thermal insulation and fire resistance. The metal corner brackets and continuous metal mounting brackets provide the necessary fire resistance and structural integrity, while the PVC-U profiles maintain thermal insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Metal reinforcement is applied locally at critical positions (corners and mounting areas) rather than throughout the entire profile. The continuous metal mounting bracket extends along the sides where the fire-resistant insert is retained, providing fire resistance exactly where needed while preserving thermal insulation in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If discontinuous mounting brackets are used, then device complexity is reduced, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting bracket configurationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous metal mounting bracket acts as an intermediary element that connects the fire-resistant insert to the metal reinforcement in the PVC-U profile. This continuous bracket provides stable retention and support for the heavy fire-resistant glazing, preventing sagging under thermal loads and ensuring the insert remains securely positioned during fire conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a durable and thermally resistant fire-resistant window system that effectively moderates forces during fires, preventing fuel gas penetration and meeting higher fire load standards by ensuring stable retention of the fire-resistant glazing and enhancing thermal insulation.

Implementation Method 1

as a result of intumescent material in at least one hollow space in the profile an enhanced fire safety is to be achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescent materials: Intumescent Materials

Implementation Method 2

Steel profiles, however, have a rather poor thermal insulation and are surpassed by plastic windows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2177701B1Casement window or framework for a fire resistant window
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 SMITS GEMERT
  • EP2177701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2177701B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2177701B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A casement window or framework for a fire-resistant window or a fire resistant door is characterized in that: - the casement window or framework respectively comprises at least four hollow-chamber profiles based on PVC-U, as well as a fire resistant insert mounted in the casement window or framework respectively, more particularly a fire resistant glazing; - the hollow-chamber profiles based on PVC-U comprise a central reinforcement chamber as well as further hollow chambers; - the reinforcement chambers of the hollow-chamber profiles of the casement window or framework respectively comprise a metal reinforcement; - the fire resistant insert is retained on all four sides on the outside and/or the inside in the area of the edge by a continuous metal mounting bracket extending over the relevant side, where - the mounting brackets are tightened to the respective metal reinforcements in the reinforcement chambers of the hollow-chamber profiles.