T-Shaped Sash Profile Fastening for Thinner Wooden Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wooden sash profiles require a profile thickness of more than 30 mm to accommodate hardware screws, preventing the production of thinner profiles.

Innovation Solution

A sash profile with a T-shaped cross-section and recesses and grooves that allow for the use of clamping elements and screws, enabling secure fastening without increasing overall thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wood screws of at least 30 mm length are used to prevent tearing out, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the profile thickness must be more than 30 mm which increases the overall dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidprofile thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from fastening in the thickness direction (requiring 30mm+ profile thickness) to fastening in the longitudinal direction of the profile. The recess and clamping element configuration allows screws to engage along the length of the profile rather than requiring sufficient thickness, thereby resolving the contradiction between fastening reliability and profile thickness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is segmented into multiple components: recess, clamping element, and screw. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be distributed across multiple elements working together in the longitudinal direction, eliminating the need for a single deep screw engagement that would require thick profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If conventional fitting fastenings are used, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but the profile thickness cannot be reduced below 30 mm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidprofile thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fastening direction from transverse (through the profile thickness) to longitudinal (along the profile length). The clamping element engages the fitting from opposite sides in the longitudinal direction, providing sufficient fastening strength without requiring the profile thickness to exceed 30 mm.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element acts as an intermediary between the fitting and the profile. It transfers and distributes the fastening forces across the fitting in the longitudinal direction, enabling strong fastening without requiring deep screw engagement through the profile thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If the profile thickness is reduced to enable thinner sash profiles, then the overall dimensions are improved, but the wood screws may tear out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile thicknessVSAvoidscrew retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves the screw retention issue by changing the fastening direction to the longitudinal axis of the profile. Screws engage the clamping element and fitting along the length of the profile rather than requiring sufficient thickness, allowing thin profiles while preventing screw tear-out through the clamping mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is preliminarily positioned in the recess before screw fastening. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and distribution of fastening forces, preventing screw tear-out even in thinner profiles by preparing the fastening path in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4386168B1Wing profile with fitting fastening
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 4B AG
  • EP4386168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4386168B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4386168B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A sash profile (3) with hardware attachment, wherein the sash profile (3) has a substantially T-shaped cross-section, wherein the sash profile (3) has a first surface (32) which forms an end-face glazing stop, wherein a recess (37) is provided in the sash profile (3) on one side opposite the first surface (32), in which at least one fitting (1) is arranged, wherein a groove (38) is provided adjoining the recess (37) in the direction of the first surface (32), wherein the groove (38) has a groove opening (381) whose width is smaller than that of the recess (37), and wherein the groove (38) has a groove base (380) whose width is larger than that of the groove opening (381), wherein at least one clamping element (5) is provided in the groove (38), and wherein at least one screw (4) is provided which projects through the fitting (1) and which is connected to the at least one clamping element (5). It is screwed together.