Window Frame Profiles with Embedded Conductors for Sensor Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door frames are difficult to modify or expand with intelligent features like sensors and actuators after initial installation, as existing solutions are either costly or visually disruptive, and home automation systems lack communication standards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ring or star-shaped electrical conductor into the frame's profiles during manufacturing, allowing for retrofitting of sensors and actuators via a frame-side interface, with a data bus for power supply and communication, enabling wireless connectivity and hidden installation to maintain aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and actuators are installed on the frame after manufacturing, then the frame can be equipped with intelligent features, but the installation is visually disruptive and aesthetically detrimental
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing conductors and connection elements into the hollow chamber profiles during the frame manufacturing process. This allows the frame to be ready for future sensor and actuator installation without requiring visible external modifications. The conductors are embedded within the profile chambers, so when sensors/actuators are added later, they connect through hidden internal pathways rather than visible external wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the nesting principle by placing conductors, connection elements, and communication devices inside the hollow chamber profiles of the frame. The frame structure itself serves as a container that hides these electrical components within its internal cavities. This nested arrangement allows electrical infrastructure to be integrated within the frame's cross-section without affecting its external appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and actuators are screwed onto the frame, then the frame can be modified, but the modification is visually disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is manufactured with pre-integrated conductors and connection elements positioned within its hollow chambers. This preliminary preparation enables sensors and actuators to be connected through hidden internal pathways rather than requiring visible external screw terminals or wiring harnesses attached to the frame surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection interface from the external frame surface and relocates it to the internal hollow chamber space. Connection elements are positioned inside the profile chambers, allowing electrical connections to be made within the frame's internal volume rather than on its external surface, thus hiding the connection points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable routing is used for sensors and actuators, then electrical connections can be made, but the installation is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Conductors are pre-installed and routed within the hollow chamber profiles during frame manufacturing. Connection elements are pre-positioned at specific locations within the chambers. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex cable routing and connection point localization during field installation, significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow chamber profiles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the frame and simultaneously serve as conduits for electrical conductors. This multi-functionality integrates the electrical infrastructure into the frame's existing structure rather than requiring separate cable trays or external routing paths.
4Strength
If the frame is made from solid profiles, then structural strength and aesthetics are improved, but integrating conductors is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining solid profile materials (such as wood or metal) with embedded conductive elements. The solid profiles maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic qualities while having conductors integrated within them through grooves or embedded channels, creating a composite structure that combines the advantages of both solid materials and electrical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
For solid profiles, the patent applies local quality by creating grooves or channels only in specific locations where conductor integration is needed, rather than changing the entire profile structure. This allows the solid profile to maintain its overall structural strength and aesthetic appearance while having localized modifications for electrical conductor placement.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
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AI summary
A frame for a window (2) or a door (3) comprises a fixed frame (7) and optionally a movable sash (1), wherein the frame (7) and/or the sash (1) is composed of several hollow chamber profiles (4) or solid profiles. At least one of the hollow chamber profiles (4) has at least one electrical conductor (12) in one of its chambers or on its outer circumference, or one of the solid profiles has at least one electrical conductor (12) in a groove or on its outer circumference, which can be connected via a frame-side interface (13) to a data processing device (11) and to a sensor (9) and/or actuator (10).