Vacuum-Insulated PVC Window Frame with Metallic Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic window and door frameworks face challenges in maximizing thermal insulation, leading to higher energy consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The framework incorporates a hollow reinforcing metallic element within elongated PVC or heat-sealable plastic profiled elements, with a vacuum system that creates a vacuum inside the main chamber to enhance thermal insulation by reducing air exchange, utilizing a pin element and elastic activation mechanism to ensure a tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multi-chamber profiled elements are used to reduce thermal bridges, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a hollow metallic reinforcing element inside the plastic profiled element. The metallic element is positioned within the inner hollow portion of the plastic profile, creating a nested structure where one element is contained within another. This allows the reinforcing element to provide structural strength while the plastic profile maintains its thermal insulation function, resolving the contradiction between structural requirements and thermal performance without increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining plastic material for the profiled elements with metallic material for the reinforcing elements. The plastic profiled elements provide thermal insulation properties, while the metallic reinforcing elements provide structural strength and rigidity. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function, achieving both structural integrity and thermal insulation performance
2Temperature
If vacuum creating means are added to the framework, then thermal insulation efficiency is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a vacuum environment inside the hollow portion of the profiled elements. By removing air from the chamber, the thermal conductivity parameter of the medium inside the profile is dramatically reduced, as vacuum has negligible thermal conductivity. This transforms the thermal insulation mechanism from relying solely on material properties to utilizing the physical state of the medium, achieving superior thermal insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert vacuum environment inside the hollow portions of the framework elements. By evacuating the air, the chamber becomes a vacuum-insulated space that eliminates convective and conductive heat transfer through the medium. This inert vacuum environment acts as an additional thermal barrier, maximizing thermal insulation efficiency without requiring complex active insulation systems
3Strength
If hollow reinforcing metallic elements are inserted in plastic profiled elements, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the framework into separate modular components: plastic profiled elements and hollow metallic reinforcing elements. Each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for its specific material and function. The profiled elements are extruded with hollow sections, while the metallic elements are formed separately. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing and simplifies quality control, offsetting the complexity of combining different materials
4Loss of energy
If vacuum is created inside the main chamber, then air exchange is reduced, but energy consumption for vacuum maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by creating a vacuum only in specific hollow chambers of the framework rather than throughout the entire structure. The vacuum is created in the hollow portions of the profiled elements where it provides maximum thermal insulation benefit, while leaving other areas at atmospheric pressure. This selective vacuum application reduces the energy required for vacuum maintenance while still achieving significant thermal energy loss reduction in the critical insulation zones
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 configuration significantly reduces thermal conductivity, achieving a coefficient of 0.5 W/K, thereby maximizing thermal insulation efficiency and lowering energy consumption and environmental impact for heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system (15, 18) that creates a vacuum inside the main chamber (7) to enhance thermal insulation by reducing air exchange
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element (28) that extends along the axis of movement B and comprises a first extremal portion (29) arranged in contact with the second extremity (25), and a second extremal portion (30), opposite to the first extremal portion (29) and arranged in contact with the surface of the containment body (19)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The framework (1) for building walls or the like comprises a frame (2), a hinged element (3) hinged to the frame (2) and a housing seat (9) adapted to house vacuum creating means (15, 18) within at least one of the frame (2) and the hinged element (3), wherein the vacuum creating means (15, 18) are adapted to the expulsion of air from the inside of at least one of the frame (2) and the hinged element (3).