Window Assembly Connecting Strip Thermal Expansion Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window assembly technologies are expensive and complex to manufacture, particularly all-glass façade windows, as they require materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients for strong adhesion, limiting the use of cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly design featuring a connecting strip with a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to glass, adhered to the windowpane using an adhesive and mechanically connected to a window frame through screws or bolts, allowing for the use of materials like wood for the frame, which are more affordable and environmentally friendly, while ensuring a strong and durable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wood frame is adhered directly to the windowpane, then the frame can be made from environmentally friendly and inexpensive material, but the adhesion connection is not strong due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting strip as an intermediary component between the windowpane and the wood frame. This connecting strip has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to glass, allowing strong adhesive bonding to the windowpane, while the wood frame can be mechanically connected to the strip. This mediator resolves the thermal expansion mismatch problem that would otherwise prevent strong direct adhesion between glass and wood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system into three distinct components: the windowpane, the connecting strip, and the window frame. By dividing the direct connection into two separate connection interfaces (adhesive bond between glass and strip, mechanical connection between strip and frame), the system can optimize each interface for its specific requirements without compromise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting strip is introduced between the windowpane and frame, then materials with different thermal expansion coefficients can be used, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip serves as a simple intermediary element that enables material versatility. Despite adding a component, the overall system remains relatively simple because the strip is a straightforward structural element that can be manufactured and installed with standard processes, balancing the trade-off between complexity and material flexibility.
3Reliability
If mechanical connection means are used to connect the connecting strip to the window frame, then the connection is simple and durable, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical fastening system using screws or bolts through through-holes. While this introduces precision requirements for hole alignment, it provides superior reliability and durability of the connection, especially considering that mechanical fasteners can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction better than adhesive bonds alone.
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 design enables the creation of cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing window assemblies with improved insulating properties by bridging the thermal expansion mismatch between the glass windowpane and the frame, facilitating the use of less expensive and easier-to-manufacture materials for the frame.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting strip is adhered to the windowpane by means of an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The connecting strip is connected to the window frame by means of mechanical connection means extending through through-holes in the connecting strip
Implementation Method 3
it is not possible to form a strong connection if e.g. a wood frame is adhered directly to the windowpane. However, by bridging the window frame and the windowpane by means of a connecting strip it is possible to provide the connecting strip with qualities-particularly regarding coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a window assembly (1) comprising a windowpane (2), a window frame (3) extending along a periphery of one side of the windowpane (2), and a connecting strip (4) arranged between the window frame (3) and the windowpane (2). The connecting strip (4) is adhered to the windowpane (2) by means of an adhesive (5) and the connecting strip (4) is connected to the window frame (3) by means of mechanical connection means (6) extending through through-holes (9) in the connecting strip (4). A method for assembling a window assembly (1) and use of a window assembly (1) are also disclosed.