Window Frame Assemblies Reducing Thickness for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door frame assemblies face a trade-off between minimizing visible frame area for enhanced viewing and maintaining structural integrity and impact resistance, with thicker frames obstructing views and thinner frames compromising stability or resistance.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a reduced thickness relative to its increased width, featuring a support assembly and cover assembly with latching members, sealant members, and optional strengthening members, designed to maximize panel visibility while maintaining stability and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame thickness is increased to achieve impact resistance and structural stability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the visible area of the panel is reduced and viewing is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The frame cross-section transitions from a conventional square or rectangular shape to an asymmetric configuration where the thickness (dimension perpendicular to the panel) is reduced while the width (dimension parallel to the panel) is increased. This dimensional redistribution allows the frame to maintain structural strength through increased width while minimizing the obstructive thickness that blocks the view through the panel.
2Area of stationary object
If the frame thickness is decreased to enhance viewing through the panel, then the visible area of the panel is increased, but the structural stability and impact resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reducing the frame thickness in all dimensions, the invention redistributes the frame dimensions by decreasing the thickness (perpendicular dimension) while simultaneously increasing the width (parallel dimension). This allows the visible area to expand while the increased width compensates for the reduced thickness, maintaining structural stability and impact resistance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame width is increased to compensate for reduced thickness, then the structural stability is maintained, but the overall frame size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame cross-section is designed with non-uniform dimension distribution, concentrating the structural strength in the width dimension while minimizing the thickness dimension. This localized dimensional optimization allows the frame to achieve adequate stability through increased width without requiring a proportional increase in overall frame size, as the depth remains reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly, for use in window and door applications configured to retain a panel, comprising a frame with a cover assembly and a support assembly having a track assembly, and a sill assembly and a header assembly both interconnected to a securing surface. The cover assembly is interconnected to the support assembly. The sill assembly comprises a roller member disposed in supporting relation to the track assembly, and the header assembly is disposed in supporting relation to the support assembly so that the frame is movable relative to both the header assembly and the sill assembly. At least a portion of the frame comprises a predetermined thickness of about 1 and 3/16 inches and a predetermined width of about 2 and ½ inches. The predetermined thickness is substantially less than the predetermined width so that both cooperatively and concurrently enhance viewing through the panel and the frame's stability.