U-Shaped Bracket for Masonry Window Frame Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for window or door frames on masonry lack adjustability and security, particularly when fixed to the outside of a wall opening, as they rely on frictional connections that can be compromised by forces or temperature changes, and require complex plastic deformation for fixation.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped support bracket with adjustable U-legs that can be securely fastened to the masonry, allowing the profile rail to be adjusted and fixed using a releasable first fastening element and an additional frictional or form-fitting second element, ensuring stability and ease of reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fixed part is designed as a simple angle rail bent from flat material, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load-bearing capacity and structural strength are insufficient when protruding from masonry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed part is divided into multiple functional segments: a support bracket portion for wall mounting, a bearing surface for the profile rail, and U-legs for distributed support. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed part is pre-designed with integrated support features including the bearing surface and U-legs that provide immediate structural support when mounted. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for additional pressure shoes or support structures during assembly, ensuring load-bearing capacity is built-in from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the profile rail is held to masonry by frictional connection only, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and stability are compromised under force or temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening mechanism complexityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static frictional connection to a dynamic multi-stage fastening mechanism. The profile rail can initially be positioned with manual adjustment, then secured through progressive fastening stages that adapt to installation conditions and provide reliable stabilization under various loads and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system changes the connection parameters from relying solely on friction (variable and unreliable) to incorporating mechanical interlocking through the first and second fastening elements. This parameter change provides consistent, predictable connection strength that maintains reliability under force and temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the profile rail position is fixed during assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability and ease of adjustment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static frictional connection to a dynamic multi-stage fastening mechanism. The profile rail can initially be positioned with manual adjustment, then secured through progressive fastening stages that adapt to installation conditions and provide reliable stabilization under various loads and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slot in the profile rail is pre-configured to guide the first fastening element, allowing for preliminary positioning and adjustment before final fixation. This preliminary action enables accurate positioning while maintaining adaptability during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If plastic deformation is used to fix the profile rail to the fixed part, then the strength of connection is improved, but the ease of operation and correction options are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidadjustability and correction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static frictional connection to a dynamic multi-stage fastening mechanism. The profile rail can initially be positioned with manual adjustment, then secured through progressive fastening stages that adapt to installation conditions and provide reliable stabilization under various loads and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening process is segmented into multiple stages: initial positioning with adjustment capability, first fastening element installation for secure connection, and second fastening element for additional stabilization. This segmentation allows correction and adjustment at intermediate stages while achieving strong final connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a secure, adjustable, and easily reconfigurable fastening system that maintains stability under various conditions, including temperature changes and applied forces, without the need for additional support structures, enhancing load-bearing capacity and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the profile rail can be or is connected by a second fastening element to the fixed part in an additional frictional and/or form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first fastening element, with which the fixed part and the profile rail can be mutually fixed, the elongated hole being formed in the profile rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the profile rail can be or is connected by a second fastening element to the fixed part in an additional frictional and/or form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the profile rail can be or is connected by a second fastening element to the fixed part in an additional frictional and/or form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForm-fitting connection: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2514899B1Fixing device for fixing to a wall
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 SFS INTEC HLDG AG
  • EP2514899B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2514899B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2514899B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A fastening device (10) for a window or door frame on a masonry wall (72) is described. The fastening device (10) can be attached to the masonry wall (72) by means of a fixed part (73) and a profile rail (75) that is adjustable and fixable on this fixed part (73), e.g., by means of masonry or concrete screws. The profile rail (75) has an elongated hole (79) through which a first fastening element (74) extends, with which the fixed part (73) and the profile rail (75) can be fixed to each other. The fixed part (73) is designed as a U-shaped support bracket in cross-section for supporting the profile rail, which, during fastening, can be supported at its ends by its U-shaped legs (73c, 73d) on the masonry wall (72) and which has a bearing surface (73b) on its U-shaped web (73a) for supporting the profile rail (75). In the adjusted state, the profile rail (75) is additionally connected to the fixed part (73) by a second fastening element (78) in a form-fitting manner.