Height Compensating Sliding Fenestration Head Track

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding fenestration systems face challenges in wider building openings where changes in opening height due to thermal expansion, building settling, and loads compromise the support against lateral loads, leading to operational issues and compromised sealing.

Innovation Solution

A head track system that can move vertically relative to the side jambs, directly attached to the top of the building opening, providing improved lateral support and compensating for changes in opening height while maintaining sealing integrity through guide rail and channel assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the head track is fixedly attached to vertical side jambs to maintain constant frame height, then the sealing integrity is improved, but the system cannot accommodate changes in building opening height due to thermal expansion, building settling, or loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidaccommodation of opening height changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The head track is made movable relative to the side jambs through a sliding connection mechanism. The head track can move vertically along the side jambs to accommodate changes in building opening height while maintaining sealing integrity through the continuous contact between the head track and the compensation channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the head track is located in a compensation channel attached to the top of the building opening, then the system can accommodate opening height changes, but the lateral support against wind loads is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of opening height changesVSAvoidlateral support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the functions of lateral support and height compensation into different components. The side jambs provide lateral support against wind loads, while the head track moves vertically along the side jambs within the compensation channel to accommodate opening height changes. This segmentation allows both functions to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the head track is fixedly attached to side jambs, then lateral support is maintained, but the system cannot compensate for opening height changes without compromising support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral supportVSAvoidcompensation for opening height changes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side jambs serve as an intermediary element that provides lateral support while allowing the head track to move vertically. The head track slides along the side jambs within the compensation channel, enabling height compensation without compromising the lateral support function of the side jambs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10851572B1Height compensating sliding fenestration systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 ANDERSEN CORPORATION

AI summary

Sliding fenestration systems that compensate for changes in opening height after installation and methods of installing such sliding fenestration systems are described herein. The head track of a sliding fenestration system moves vertically relative to the bottom of the building opening to compensate for changes in building opening height while still maintaining lateral support for the panels in the sliding fenestration system by virtue of a direct connection between the head track and the top of the building opening.