Tapered Truss Window Frame for Thermal and Structural Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window frames face challenges in balancing structural integrity with reduced cross-sections to maximize glass surface area and minimize thermal conductivity, while also providing effective insulation and mechanical resistance against design stresses.
Innovation Solution
The window frame features an elongated structure with tapered rods and a truss design made from metal laminate, which includes a web with inner and outer ribs, and strategically placed openings to reduce thermal conductivity and structural weight, allowing for efficient thermal insulation and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the window frame cross-section is reduced to maximize glass surface area, then the thermal conductivity is minimized and glass surface area is maximized, but the structural resistance to withstand design stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame cross-section is segmented into a truss structure with multiple rods arranged in triangular patterns, replacing a solid cross-section. This segmentation maintains structural strength through geometric stability while reducing material quantity and cross-sectional area, thereby maximizing glass surface area and minimizing thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The window frame employs composite construction combining metal rods for structural strength with thermal insulation materials filling the spaces between rods. This composite approach ensures adequate structural resistance to withstand design stresses while the insulation materials minimize thermal conductivity, allowing reduced cross-section for maximum glass area.
2Loss of energy
If the window frame cross-section is reduced to minimize thermal conductivity, then thermal insulation is improved, but the structural integrity to withstand design stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solid cross-section is segmented into a truss configuration with multiple thin rods separated by insulation material. This segmentation creates thermal breaks that reduce heat conduction paths while the distributed rod structure maintains structural integrity through geometric stability and material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window frame are assigned different functions: metal rods provide structural strength at critical load-bearing positions, while the spaces between rods are filled with thermal insulation materials. This local differentiation optimizes both structural integrity and thermal insulation performance simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If the window frame cross-section is reduced, then the glass surface area is maximized, but the mechanical resistance to withstand design stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame is segmented into a truss structure where multiple rods share the mechanical load. This segmentation allows the frame to withstand design stresses through distributed load paths while maintaining a reduced overall cross-section that maximizes the available glass surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural strength is achieved not through increased cross-sectional area but through three-dimensional truss geometry. The triangular arrangement of rods in multiple dimensions provides mechanical resistance to various stresses while keeping the material quantity and cross-sectional footprint minimal for maximum glass area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves excellent thermal insulation with a reduced cross-section, effectively managing thermal and mechanical loads, ensuring comfort and structural integrity while maximizing glass surface area.
Implementation Method 1
the need to limit heat conduction through the same window frame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elongated structure 20 for a window frame 200 suitable for supporting a panel 19 for separating an inner environment from an outer environment. The elongated structure comprises a first crosspiece 21 defining a first abutment surface 211; a second crosspiece 22 defining a second abutment surface 222, parallel to the first abutment surface, and a truss structure 23 which connects the first crosspiece to the second crosspiece. The truss structure comprises rods 230 extending from connection zones 213 of the first crosspiece to connection zones 223 of the second crosspiece; in the elongated structure according to the invention, the rods are tapered.