Window Border Element for Continuous Pane Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window glazing methods face issues with the number of parts required, potential destructive strains on panes, adhesion failure, and the need for specialized training and equipment, limiting the penetration of gluing technology into the large volume market for windows.

Innovation Solution

A method where a border element is attached to the frame, providing a continuous support for the pane without the need for glue, using fewer parts and allowing for easier replacement and customization, with attachment methods including nails, screws, and moulding techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional glazing profiles and screws are used to secure the pane to the frame, then the pane can be attached securely, but a large number of different parts are needed and discontinuous support causes potentially destructive strains on the pane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane attachment securityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (glazing profile, screws, glass spacers, glazing clips) into a single integrated border element that provides both structural support and pane retention functions, thereby reducing part complexity while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The border element is designed as a separate modular component that can be manufactured independently and then attached to the frame, allowing for simplified production and assembly while providing continuous support along the entire pane edge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If glazing clips and screws are used for pane attachment, then the pane can be secured, but the discontinuous support causes potentially destructive strains on the pane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane securityVSAvoiddestructive strains on pane
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The border element provides continuous support along the entire edge of the pane rather than discrete support points, distributing loads uniformly and eliminating concentrated strains that could lead to pane breakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If gluing technology is used to attach the pane to the frame, then continuous support is achieved and frame weight can be reduced, but the quality of the glued connection is sensitive to environment and requires specialized training and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding process (gluing) with a mechanical attachment system using the border element that can be fixed to the frame using conventional methods, thereby achieving continuous support while eliminating the need for specialized gluing equipment and training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The border element serves as a sacrificial or replaceable component that simplifies the overall attachment system, allowing for easier maintenance and replacement compared to permanent chemical bonds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If conventional glazing methods are used, then the pane can be attached securely, but the mounting process is delicate and requires specialized training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane attachmentVSAvoidmounting process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The border element is pre-assembled with the pane or pre-attached to the frame, converting a delicate multi-step process into a simpler single-step attachment operation that reduces the skill level required for installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9453364B2Window comprising a bordered pane module
Publication Date: 2016.09.27 VKR HOLDING AS
  • US9453364B2 patent drawing
  • US9453364B2 patent drawing
  • US9453364B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The pane module is composed by a border element (2) molded around the pane element (1) encasing it on the edge and interior faces. The frame may be of a rectangular configuration, but it is to be understood that more complex configurations may be necessary for achieving a water proof connection to the structure in which the window is mounted or to a surrounding window frame. A fitting (42) is embedded in the border element (2) during its manufacture and is subsequently or simultaneously connected to the frame (3). When using a wooden or extruded frame the fitting may be driven into the finished frame member and when using a molded frame the fitting may be embedded therein during molding.