Treated Wood Window Frame with Partial Plastic Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frame structures for windows, especially those in humid environments like bathrooms, face issues with condensation leading to mould and deterioration, and existing solutions using plastic or treated wood are either costly or inefficient in terms of material usage and insulation.

Innovation Solution

A frame structure incorporating a treated wooden core with a partial plastic covering, where the treated wood serves as an internal shield and the plastic covering optimizes material usage and provides a second external shield, optimizing protection and aesthetics while reducing maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plastic is used to cover the entire wooden core, then weatherproofness and resistance to deterioration are improved, but cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweatherproofnessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic covering is applied only to specific portions of the wooden core rather than the entire surface. The first plastic covering portion covers at least one first surface of the wooden core, while the second plastic covering portion covers at least one second surface, creating a partial coverage solution that reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining weatherproofness where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic covering is divided into multiple separate portions (first plastic covering portion and second plastic covering portion) that can be applied to different surfaces of the wooden core. This segmentation allows for more flexible manufacturing and reduces the overall amount of plastic material required, addressing both cost and complexity concerns while maintaining protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the plastic covering is made thicker to improve insulation, then insulating properties are improved, but permeability to vapour decreases and condensation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating propertiesVSAvoidcondensation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the plastic covering have different thicknesses tailored to local requirements. The first plastic covering portion has a first average thickness and the second plastic covering portion has a second average thickness, allowing optimization of insulation where needed while maintaining vapour permeability in critical areas to prevent condensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The thickness parameter of the plastic covering is varied across different portions. By controlling the average thickness of the first and second plastic covering portions, the patent achieves optimal balance between insulating properties and vapour permeability, preventing condensation while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If treated wood is used in the core, then resistance to deterioration is improved, but material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to deteriorationVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure combines treated wood core with plastic covering portions to create a composite construction. The treated wood provides structural strength and inherent resistance to deterioration, while the plastic coverings provide additional protection and aesthetic finish, achieving cost-effectiveness through optimized material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic covering is applied only to specific portions of the wooden core rather than the entire surface. This partial coverage reduces the amount of expensive plastic material required while still providing adequate protection to the treated wood core, achieving cost-effectiveness without compromising durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2167770B1A frame structure and a method for manufacturing such a frame structure
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2167770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2167770B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2167770B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The frame structure, for instance a window sash or a frame for a window or door, includes top and bottom pieces and two side pieces (1). A core (2) includes a wooden core member and a plastic covering (3) encases the wooden core member. The wooden core member includes wood, which has been subjected to a treatment reducing the detrimental effects of the surroundings on the wood.