Window Mounting Bracket With Deformation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window mounting brackets are overly stiff and fail to absorb impact energy effectively, leading to other parts of the window breaking during severe loads, while prior solutions for improved load absorption are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The mounting bracket design features flanges extending at specific angles to provide distinct deformation zones, allowing for stiffness in wind and snow loads without plastic deformation, but yielding under impact to absorb energy and reduce strain on the window structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mounting bracket is made amply stiff to hold the window in place under severe weather conditions, then the reliability is improved, but the mounting bracket cannot absorb impact energy effectively causing other parts of the window to break
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket features a differentiated structure with a first bracket leg having reduced wall thickness (deformation zone) and a second bracket leg with normal wall thickness (stiff zone). This local quality variation allows the bracket to be stiff where needed for weather resistance while having a compliant zone for impact energy absorption through plastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is segmented into functionally distinct zones: a first deformation zone in the first bracket leg designed for plastic deformation under impact, and a second stiff zone comprising the second bracket leg and connection region designed to maintain structural integrity during severe weather. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different mechanical properties to different parts.
2Strength
If the mounting bracket is designed to yield under impact to absorb energy, then the impact resistance is improved, but the stiffness required for resisting wind and snow loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first bracket leg has a localized deformation zone with reduced wall thickness that yields under impact, while the rest of the bracket maintains full thickness and stiffness for weather resistance. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous optimization for both impact absorption and weather load resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the harmful effect of impact forces into beneficial plastic deformation in the controlled deformation zone. The deformation zone is specifically designed to yield and absorb impact energy, transforming the harmful impact into a protective mechanism that saves the rest of the window structure.
3Device complexity
If the mounting bracket uses a compact design with fewer parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to provide both stiffness and impact absorption is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single mounting bracket design integrates multiple functions: it provides stiffness for weather loads, impact energy absorption through plastic deformation, and maintains secure fastening after impact. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates parameter variations within the single component, specifically varying the wall thickness parameter along the first bracket leg to create the deformation zone. This parameter change allows the bracket to exhibit different mechanical behaviors (stiff vs. compliant) in different regions, providing both stiffness and impact absorption in a unified compact design.
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 ensures the mounting bracket holds during severe weather conditions while yielding under impact, maintaining a secure fastening and reducing strain on the window structure, with a compact and simple design that absorbs impact energy.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic deformation that the mounting bracket experiences in this situation will absorb a major part of the energy from the impact
Implementation Method 2
the edge of the flange is being brought into abutment with the first bracket leg providing the first torque threshold
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The mounting bracket (6) for installation of a window has a first bracket leg (7) for fastening to the roof structure, and, for fastening to a frame member of the window, a second bracket leg (8) extending from the first bracket leg (7) at an angle. The angle is essentially orthogonal in an unloaded condition of the mounting bracket (6). At least one flange (9) extends at an angle from the second bracket leg (8) so that an edge (10) of the flange (9) faces other bracket leg (7). In a first load condition, in which forces act on the mounting bracket (6) so as to diminish the angle (α), a first torque threshold (T1) is provided, beyond which plastic deformation of the mounting bracket (6) occurs, and in a second load condition, in which forces (F2) act on the mounting bracket (6) so as to increase the angle (α), a second torque threshold (T2) is provided, beyond which plastic deformation of the mounting bracket (6) occurs, the second torque threshold (T2) being different from the first torque threshold (T1). In the first load condition, deformation of the mounting bracket (6; 106) occurs primarily in a first deformation zone (11) in the first bracket leg (7), and in the second load condition, deformation of the mounting bracket (6; 106) occurs primarily in a second deformation zone (12) in the first bracket leg (7).