Slide-and-Pivot Fenestration Unit for Full Frame Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sliding fenestration units block only partial frame openings in an open position, while hinged units require more floor space for operation, lacking a configuration that combines efficient egress and ingress with minimal space usage.

Innovation Solution

A fenestration unit with a frame supporting a panel that can translate laterally and pivot relative to the frame, utilizing riders, tracks, and a pivot assembly to transition between sliding and hinging modes, allowing full frame opening with reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding fenestration unit is used, then the panel can move laterally along the frame, but the panel blocks only partial frame opening in an open position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel movementVSAvoidframe opening accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the panel to transition between two operational modes: sliding laterally along the frame and pivoting relative to the frame. This dynamic capability allows the panel to adapt its movement type based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between easy lateral movement and full frame opening accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hinged fenestration unit is used, then the panel can pivot to allow substantial frame opening, but more floor space is required for transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe opening accessibilityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single fenestration unit that can perform both sliding and hinging operations through a unified mechanism. The panel is configured to slide along the frame when needed and pivot when needed, eliminating the need for separate floor space allocations for different operational modes and achieving full frame opening accessibility without requiring additional floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fenestration unit transitions between sliding and hinged modes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational modeVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining the sliding and hinging mechanisms into a single integrated system. The panel assembly includes components that simultaneously enable both lateral sliding along the frame and pivoting relative to the frame, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12359495B2Slide and pivot fenestration unit

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 PELLA CORP

AI summary

A fenestration unit is disclosed. In various examples, the fenestration unit includes a plurality of panels, including first and second panels. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of panels is configured to slide relative to a frame of the fenestration unit to provide an opening in the fenestration unit. In various examples, each of the first and second panels are also configured to be pivoted relative to the frame such that the first and second panels can be hinged or otherwise pivoted open to increase the size of the opening in the fenestration unit.