Window Banding Clip Assembly for Frame Alignment During Sealant Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance windows with multiple glass layers and complex designs face issues with bowing frame elements due to residual stress, leading to sealant displacement and misalignment during the curing process, which can result in installation challenges and increased work for window installation teams.
Innovation Solution
A universal window banding clip system that uses a pair of clips with a hook plate and a banding strap to apply tension to window frame members, ensuring proper separation and preventing bowing until the sealant fully cures, utilizing a tensioning apparatus to control and maintain the desired span between frame members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If frame members are extruded with high precision to maintain shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but residual stress causes bowing that worsens alignment during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The banding clip system applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent the bowing that would occur during sealant curing. By restraining the frame members in their proper alignment before curing completes, the system anticipates and prevents the distortion caused by residual stress release.
Solution Approach 2:
The banding clips are installed and tensioned before the sealant fully cures, establishing the correct frame alignment in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the sealant reaches full strength, the frame members are already in their intended positions.
2Reliability
If sealant is applied to bond frame members, then sealing performance is improved, but uncured sealant is pulled away by temperature, humidity changes and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The banding clip system provides protective support to the frame members during the vulnerable curing period. By maintaining constant restraint and preventing movement, the system cushions against the effects of temperature changes, humidity variations, and external forces that would otherwise disrupt the uncured sealant.
3Manufacturing precision
If window fabrication follows strict protocols to maintain shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional restraining mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The banding clip system divides the restraining function into discrete, modular clip units that can be independently positioned and tensioned. Each clip operates as a separate element, allowing for localized adjustment and simplifying the overall fabrication process compared to a monolithic restraining system.
Solution Approach 2:
The banding clips incorporate dynamic tensioning capability, allowing the restraint force to be adjusted and maintained as conditions change during curing. The system can adapt to slight movements and maintain optimal restraint throughout the curing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for improving the alignment of building product frame members. The system includes a first and second clip member each with an arcuate edge releasably positioned into a channel within the opposed frame members. A longitudinally extending banding strap looped through openings in both first and second clip member. The first end of the longitudinally extending banding strap is inserted into a banding strap tensioning apparatus and tension is applied to the first end as well as to a longitudinally disposed segment of the banding strap that is also inserted into the banding strap tensioning apparatus. Once the specified span is achieved, the overlapping first end and longitudinally disposed segment are bonded together using the banding member tensioning apparatus thereby preventing movement of the first and second frame members away from one another. Sealant is applied to the frame members and the banding strap clip members are removed.