Thermally Broken Sill Leveling for Stress-Free Frame Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for leveling door and window frames to thresholds using screws and shims are inefficient and prone to deformation due to stress and bending moments.
Innovation Solution
A thermally broken sill leveling device comprising an adjuster plate, an adjustment screw, and a locking screw, which allows for adjustable leveling of door or window frames to a threshold without requiring access to the underside of the frame, thereby reducing stress and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screws and shims are used to level door or window frames, then the frames can be secured to thresholds, but the frames are prone to deformation due to stress and bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling device is divided into separate functional components: an adjuster plate that attaches to the frame, an adjustment screw for height control, and a locking screw for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without creating stress concentration points on the frame itself, thereby preventing deformation while achieving stable leveling.
2Ease of operation
If shims are used for leveling, then adjustment is possible, but the process is inefficient and requires access to the underside of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing shims from underneath the frame as in conventional methods, this invention attaches the adjuster plate to the accessible face of the frame and uses screws that extend through the adjuster plate to make contact with the threshold. This inverted approach eliminates the need to access the underside of the frame, significantly improving installation efficiency while maintaining full adjustability through the rotation of the adjustment screw.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional screw and shim methods are used, then frames can be leveled, but the process is prone to deformation due to applied stress
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster plate serves as an intermediary component between the frame and the leveling screws. It distributes the leveling forces across a larger area and provides a rigid mounting surface that prevents stress concentration on the frame. The adjustment and locking screws attach to the adjuster plate rather than directly to the frame, eliminating direct stress application to the frame during the leveling process while maintaining precise height control.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally broken sill leveling device securing a door or window frame member to a substructure, including: an adjuster plate having a female threaded through hole therein and configured to be secured to the frame member; an adjustment screw for threadedly engaging the female threaded hole of the adjuster plate, the adjustment screw having a through hole therein; and a locking screw for securing the adjuster plate to the substructure, the locking screw passing through the through hole of the adjustment screw and being screwed to the substructure, wherein a spacing between the frame member and the substructure is adjusted by rotatably adjusting the adjustment screw so that a distal end thereof abuts against the substructure. This adjusts the space between the frame member and the substructure.