Segmented Mounting Brackets for Fire-Resistant Window Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant window and door frameworks are complex and costly to manufacture, primarily due to the extensive use of continuous metal mounting brackets for fire-resistant inserts.

Innovation Solution

The use of relatively short metal mounting brackets in combination with fire-resistant inserts having an EW/EI-value of at least 30 minutes, which are locked between two mounting brackets on each side, simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining fire resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous metal mounting brackets are used to retain the fire-resistant insert, then fire resistance is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous metal mounting brackets are divided into multiple separate brackets distributed along the sides of the fire-resistant insert. Each bracket is spaced at specific intervals (e.g., at least 200mm between brackets) and secured to the hollow-chamber profiles, replacing the need for continuous brackets while maintaining structural integrity and fire resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If continuous metal mounting brackets are used to prevent sagging and combustion gas penetration, then fire resistance is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous bracket system is segmented into discrete brackets positioned at critical locations only. The brackets are spaced at intervals (e.g., minimum 200mm spacing) along the sides, reducing material consumption and manufacturing cost while the fire-resistant insert material fills the gaps to maintain fire resistance performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Metal brackets are applied locally at specific positions where structural support is most needed, rather than continuously along the entire side. The brackets are positioned to prevent sagging at critical points, while the fire-resistant insert material provides continuous protection against combustion gas penetration throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If continuous metal mounting brackets are used, then structural stability is ensured, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket system is segmented into discrete units that can be individually positioned and secured to the hollow-chamber profiles. This segmentation allows for easier handling, positioning, and assembly compared to installing continuous brackets, while the distributed arrangement of multiple brackets maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3040502B1Casement window or framework for a fire resistant window or a fire resistant door
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 SMITS GEMERT
  • EP3040502B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3040502B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3040502B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A casement window or framework for a fire resistant window or a fire resistant door, comprising: • at least four hollow-chamber profiles connected to each other and based on PVC-U, each having a reinforcing chamber containing a metal reinforcement, • a fire resistant insert, more particularly a fire resistant glazing, retained in the chamber profiles; and • a plurality of metal mounting brackets retaining the fire resistant insert on all four sides on the outside and/or the inside in the area of the edge, which fastening brackets are screwed to the metal reinforcements in the reinforcement chambers of the hollow-chamber profiles. On at least the upper side the fire-resistant insert is held by at least two relatively short mounting brackets being at a relatively large distance from each other, and on each of the other three sides the fire-resistant insert is held by at least one mounting bracket. The fire-resistant insert has at least a EW/EI-value of 30 minutes.