Sash Locking Element Assembly for Hidden Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sash solutions face challenges in efficiently dividing internal and external environments, particularly in weather-resistant applications, with complex assembly and disassembly processes that require precise engagement between upright and transversal elements, leading to visible gaps and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A sash design featuring a cover frame made of weather-resistant materials like aluminum or PVC, with upright and transversal elements that engage at a 45° angle, allowing snap-fitting onto locking elements, and a locking mechanism that securely fastens the transparent element to the weight-bearing frame without locking it to the cover frame, simplifying assembly and hiding potential engagement gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional engagement methods between upright and transversal elements are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and visible gaps appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing element (gasket) that compensates for imprecise engagement between upright and transversal elements. The gasket's elasticity allows it to deform and fill gaps, ensuring weather-tight sealing without requiring high manufacturing precision. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integrity while simplifying assembly tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cover frame as an intermediary component between the upright/transversal elements and the external environment. This cover frame hides the engagement area and associated gaps, allowing simpler engagement mechanisms while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The intermediary element decouples the visual quality from the mechanical engagement precision.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to secure the cover frame, then weather-tight sealing is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-assembled corner elements that integrate the locking and sealing functions into single components. These corner elements are prepared in advance with built-in sealing channels and locking features, eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly procedures during installation. The preliminary integration maintains reliability while reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and locking function into integrated components rather than separate elements. The corner elements combine gasket integration with mechanical locking features, and the cover frame integrates both weather-sealing and structural support functions. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps while maintaining dual functionality for reliability.
3Shape
If precision engagement between frame elements is required, then gap visibility is reduced, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible sealing gaskets that are visible at the corners and edges of the cover frame. These gaskets serve a dual purpose: they seal weather gaps and simultaneously mask the appearance of engagement gaps between rigid frame elements. The flexible material's visual presence compensates for manufacturing tolerances without requiring expensive precision engineering.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover frame acts as an intermediary that deliberately positions itself to conceal the engagement areas of the upright and transversal elements. By designing the cover frame to overlap and hide these joints, the patent eliminates the need for precision engagement while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The intermediary structure physically blocks the view of potential gaps.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A sash (1) comprising: - a transparent element (2); - a weight-bearing frame (3) suitable to support the transparent element (10); - a cover frame (4) fitted on the weight-bearing frame (3), suitable to protect the latter on the outer side; - a plurality of locking elements (5) attachable to the weight-bearing frame (3) wherein a locking element (5) comprises a support portion (55) suitable to be snap-engaged by the cover frame (4). The support portion (55) comprises two locking wings (551), one in front of the other, which extend in length suitable to snap-engage the walls (400', 400") surrounding the cavity (400). The of locking element (5) is attachable to the weight-bearing frame (3) by means of a respective screw (500) presenting a, through, locking hole (58) situated between the two locking wings (551).