Burglar-Inhibiting Window Cover with Floating Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door reinforcement systems lack sufficient burglary resistance, especially when large formats are used, and previous solutions that integrated reinforcement layers directly into the core wall compromised on burglary protection for wind load absorption and accessibility during production.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement layer with a high-strength material, such as a steel sheet, is attached to the core wall with strategically placed fastening elements that provide at least 90% of the strength of a 0.88 mm thick steel sheet for window or door frames up to 1.50 m wide and 80% of a 1.5 mm thick steel sheet for larger frames, along with a floating attachment system to compensate for thermal expansion and distribute forces during attempted break-ins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a reinforcement layer is attached to the core wall with multiple fastening elements, then burglary resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary resistanceVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement layer is divided into multiple segments or zones, each secured by strategically placed fastening elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall burglary resistance through distributed anchoring points rather than requiring a single complex fastening mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements are pre-positioned and pre-installed into the core wall before the reinforcement layer is attached. This preliminary action simplifies the overall installation process and reduces manufacturing complexity by separating the anchoring step from the reinforcement attachment step, while still achieving high burglary resistance through proper pre-planning of fastener locations and depths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the reinforcement layer is rigidly attached to the core wall, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion compensation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic connection that can adapt to thermal expansion and contraction. The fastening elements are designed to maintain structural stability under normal conditions while allowing controlled movement or deformation when thermal stresses occur, thus achieving both stability and thermal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system's mechanical parameters (such as fastener depth, spacing, or material properties) are optimized to balance rigidity and flexibility. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains structural stability for burglary resistance while incorporating sufficient compliance to accommodate thermal expansion of the reinforcement layer without compromising overall integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If fasteners are deeply anchored in the core wall, then burglary resistance is improved, but installation difficulty and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchorage strengthVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The core wall is pre-drilled with holes at the correct depths and positions before the reinforcement layer is installed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site drilling during installation, allowing fasteners to be quickly inserted and secured at the predetermined deep anchorage points, thus maintaining high burglary resistance while significantly improving installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchorage system is divided into multiple discrete fastening points rather than requiring continuous deep anchoring. This segmentation allows installation to proceed efficiently by securing the reinforcement layer at key strategic points, achieving sufficient burglary resistance through distributed deep anchoring without the need for exhaustive anchoring across the entire surface, thereby improving installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If the reinforcement layer covers large areas, then burglary protection is improved, but the number of fastening elements required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection areaVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element distribution is optimized with non-uniform spacing based on local requirements. Areas with higher burglary risk or greater structural importance receive denser fastening, while less critical areas use sparser spacing. This local quality approach allows large coverage areas to be protected with fewer total fastening elements compared to uniform distribution, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate burglary protection across the entire area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than providing fastening elements at every possible location across the large area, the system uses partial action by concentrating fasteners at critical locations and boundaries. This selective fastening approach achieves sufficient burglary resistance for the entire large area without requiring excessive numbers of fastening elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The solution enhances burglary resistance by ensuring the reinforcement layer remains stable against wind, step resistance, and violent forces while allowing for thermal expansion, creating a robust yet flexible attachment system that prevents easy removal or deformation, thus providing improved protection against burglary attempts.

Implementation Method 1

fastening elements by which at least the reinforcing layer is attached to the core wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the fastening elements attach the reinforcement layer in a floating manner for thermal expansion compensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3974612B1Burglar-inhibiting assembly
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 D&M KG
  • EP3974612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement comprising a core wall with a window or door recess, a window or door frame inserted into the window or door recess, and an attachment system for a movable window or door device such as roller shutters, Venetian blinds, etc., with a support device inserted into the inside of the core wall, attached to the core wall and the window or door frame, and designed to securely support the window or door device, with an outer cover connected to the outside of the core wall, which comprises at least one reinforcing layer made of a high-strength, tough material, and with fastening elements with which at least the reinforcing layer is attached to the core wall, wherein the reinforcing layer is connected to the core wall by the fastening elements along its upper edge region and the two side edge regions.Various measures are proposed to provide a burglar-resistant external cover. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of an attachment system in such an arrangement.