Trimless Door Frame Assembly with Integrated Gripping Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass doors with aluminum frame assemblies and interior glass panels require multiple components for trim retention, leading to increased costs, complexity, and security vulnerabilities, as well as detracting from the visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A trimless frame assembly for doors or windows, composed of multiple trimless frame segments with gripping channels and clip-shaped abutments, which securely retain a panel without the need for trim, reducing the number of components and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trim is used to retain the glass panel in a conventional door, then the panel is securely held in place, but the number of components increases, cost increases, complexity increases, and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trim function with the frame assembly by integrating gripping channels and clip-shaped abutments directly into the frame segments. This eliminates the need for separate trim components while maintaining secure panel retention, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the trim component from the door assembly, removing the source of complexity and security vulnerabilities while preserving the essential function of panel retention through the integrated gripping mechanism
2Reliability
If trim is used to retain the glass panel, then the panel is held securely, but the trim blocks the view of the glass panel and detracts from visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention function into the frame assembly itself, the design eliminates the protruding trim that blocked the view. The gripping channels are positioned within the frame profile, allowing the glass panel to be held securely while maintaining an unobstructed, trimless appearance
3Reliability
If multiple trim components are used, then the panel can be retained, but the cost of the door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate trim components into a single integrated frame assembly with built-in gripping features. This reduction in component quantity directly lowers manufacturing costs and material requirements while maintaining reliable panel retention
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, panel retention through integrated gripping channels, and aesthetic presentation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate trim components, reducing both quantity and cost
Data Source
AI summary
A trimless frame assembly for retaining a panel includes a plurality of trimless frame segments and a panel having a plurality of sides. Each of the plurality of trimless frame segments includes an elongate front wall, an elongate back wall substantially parallel to the elongate front wall, and a gripping assembly in between the elongate front wall and elongate back wall. The gripping assembly includes a gripping channel including a plurality of spaced-apart internal surfaces and a plurality of clip-shaped abutments, each on a respective one of the plurality of spaced-apart internal surfaces such that a side of a panel can be received and gripped by the plurality of clip-shaped abutments. Each of the plurality of sides of the panel is within a respective gripping channel of a respective one of the plurality of trimless frame segments.