U-Profile Frame with Undercut Grooves for Fire Door Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame and sash frame constructions for windows and doors, particularly those designed for smoke and fire protection, are complex to produce and require advanced fastening systems that are difficult to implement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A frame and sash frame design featuring a U-shaped cross-section with specific fastening and receiving grooves, including undercut grooves, that allow for easy assembly and integration of cover profiles for enhanced fire protection, using materials like intumescent materials for increased effectiveness in fire scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fastening systems are used for smoke and fire protection doors, then fire protection requirements are met, but production and assembly become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidproduction and assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame spar is divided into a basic profile and a separate cover element. The basic profile contains integrated fastening grooves with undercut receiving grooves that accept fastening means on the cover element, enabling modular assembly while maintaining fire protection integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening grooves and receiving grooves are merged into the basic profile structure itself, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. The cover element integrates both the covering function and the fastening interface, simplifying the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If complex fastening grooves are designed to meet fire protection standards, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidgroove precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The undercut receiving grooves are pre-formed in the basic profile during manufacturing. The fastening means are pre-formed on the cover element with corresponding protrusions. This preliminary preparation allows for simple snap-fit assembly without requiring high-precision field adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The undercut geometry of the receiving grooves creates a mechanical interlock that tolerates certain dimensional variations. The snap-fit mechanism transforms the assembly process from precision-critical to tolerance-friendly, maintaining fire protection while reducing manufacturing precision demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If cover profiles are designed for easy assembly without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but static stabilization function is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstatic stabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is designed to be self-installing via snap-fit into the fastening grooves of the basic profile. The fastening means on the cover element engage with the receiving grooves to create a self-securing connection that requires no tools for assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The basic profile and cover element can be made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The basic profile provides structural strength and fire protection, while the cover element provides ease of assembly and aesthetic coverage, with the intumescent layer adding fire resistance without compromising assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The design simplifies the production and assembly of smoke and fire protection doors and windows by providing a robust, easy-to-assemble frame system that effectively covers gaps and enhances fire protection without significant static stabilization, using cover profiles that can be easily clipped into place and made from intumescent materials for improved fire resistance.

Implementation Method 1

using materials like intumescent materials for increased effectiveness in fire scenarios

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescent materials: Intumescent Materials

Data Source

PatentEP3423662B1Main-frame bar and/or wing-frame bar, and door, window, or façade element
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP3423662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3423662B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3423662B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a main-frame bar and/or to a wing-frame bar for a main frame and/or a wing frame of a window, of a door, or of a façade element, having at least the following features: a main profiled element (300, 400) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section in single- or multi-piece design, which has, as viewed in a cross-section, a short leg (12), a long leg (13), and a transverse leg (14) formed therebetween, wherein a free intermediate space is formed between the ends of the short leg (12) and of the long leg (13) facing away from the transverse leg (14), a cover element and/or a fitting part extending over the intermediate space at least in some sections, wherein the short leg (12) and the long leg (13) of the main profiled element (300, 400) have multi-function contours (20, 21) on the inner sides thereof facing each other, which multi-function contours completely or partially bound at least the following groove: in each case, a fastening groove (20b, 21b) open in the same direction on the side facing away from the transverse leg (14) for fastening a corresponding fastening means of the fitting part or of the cover element.