Rail Vehicle Window Auxiliary Frame for Aerodynamic Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window systems for rail vehicles require extensive maintenance for replacing damaged window panes, leading to long downtimes and negative aerodynamic effects due to protruding parts and the need for filler removal.

Innovation Solution

A window system with an auxiliary frame that is inextricably connected to the outer wall, featuring releasable fastening means and a subframe design allowing easy removal and replacement of window panes without affecting the aerodynamic properties, by creating a flat external surface through recessed fasteners and Z-profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the window pane is permanently bonded to the frame using filler, then the joint is sealed and structurally sound, but the window replacement becomes time-consuming and requires filler removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint sealingVSAvoidwindow replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The window system is divided into separable components: the window pane, the seal, and the subframe. The subframe acts as an intermediate element that can be detached from the window frame, allowing the window pane to be replaced without removing permanent filler bonds. This segmentation enables the seal to maintain reliability while the modular subframe facilitates quick replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the window system uses protruding parts for easy removal, then the window can be easily replaced, but the aerodynamic properties of the rail vehicle are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow removal easeVSAvoidaerodynamic properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is moved to the interior side of the window frame, placing the detachment function in a different spatial dimension away from the exterior surface. This allows the exterior to remain flush and aerodynamic while the interior provides easy access for removal through detachable fasteners on the subframe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the window system creates a flat outer wall surface, then the aerodynamic properties are maintained, but the fastening mechanism becomes less accessible for window replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic propertiesVSAvoidfastener accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing external access to fasteners for easy removal, the system inverts the approach by placing detachable fasteners on the interior side of the window frame. This allows the exterior to maintain a flush, aerodynamic surface while the interior subframe provides the detachment function, accessing fasteners from the opposite direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If the window pane is glued into the seal, then the joint is secure and sealed, but the window replacement requires time-consuming filler removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidwindow replacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The window assembly is segmented into the window pane, seal, and subframe. The window pane remains securely bonded to the seal through gluing, maintaining joint strength. The subframe is detachably connected to the window frame, allowing the entire subframe-with-pane assembly to be replaced as a unit, eliminating the need to break adhesive bonds during replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3625100B1Auxiliary frame for inserting into a window frame permanently connected to an outer wall, rail vehicle having a window system
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 STADLER RAIL
  • EP3625100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3625100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3625100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for inserting into a window frame (3) of a rail vehicle (4), said window frame being permanently connected to an outer wall (2), which auxiliary frame has at least two legs (5). A window pane (6) is mounted on the legs (5), in particular adhesively bonded to the legs. The auxiliary frame (1) also has at least one releasable fastener (7) per leg (5) for fastening the auxiliary frame (1) to the window frame (3). The auxiliary frame (1) can be fastened in the window frame (3) in such a way that a flat outer wall surface (14) results.