Shutter Box Connecting Rail for Frame Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tunnel boxes used in building construction lack sufficient reinforcement to resist wind pressure on windows and doors, particularly at the upper crosspiece, which can lead to deformation and instability.

Innovation Solution

A tunnel box design incorporating a connecting rail with an articulated tongue and spacer to securely attach to the upper crosspiece, enhancing the rigidity and stability of the frame by forming a tight connection and providing additional support through adjustable positioning and materials like steel or composite materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional tunnel box without connecting rail is used, then the device complexity is low, but the frame rigidity and resistance to wind pressure are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rail is divided into multiple segments including an articulated tongue, a rail body, and a spacer, allowing the reinforcement system to be installed in modular fashion without requiring complete disassembly of the frame structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting rail extends the frame structure in a new dimension by connecting the tunnel box to the upper crosspiece, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement system that adds structural integrity without significantly increasing two-dimensional footprint

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

2Reliability

If the upper crosspiece is not reinforced, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the frame deforms under wind pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to wind pressureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rail with articulated tongue is pre-assembled and designed to be attached to the upper crosspiece before final frame installation, allowing the reinforcement structure to be prepared in advance and simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the connecting rail and the upper crosspiece, providing a simple mechanical interface that facilitates attachment without requiring complex welding or fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connecting structure is used, then the frame stability is improved, but the adaptability to different installation positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated tongue provides a hinge joint that allows the connecting rail to be positioned at different angles during installation, enabling adaptation to various installation positions while maintaining rigid connection once installed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting rail system allows for adjustment of installation parameters such as position and orientation through the articulated joint, while the rigid rail body maintains structural stability when fixed in the desired configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2325434B1Shutter box, equipped with a connecting bar for a frame
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 DELPHIA
  • EP2325434B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2325434B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2325434B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The shutter box (100) has a connection rail (400) for overlapping a free edge of jambs (B1, B2) for being integrated on an upper crossmember (TS) of a frame (D) of an opening e.g. door, for rigidifying the crossmember. The connection rail has an intermediate branch prolonged perpendicular by two parallel lateral branches. A self-restraint section (440) is fixed on the upper crossmember of the frame.