Plastic Window Frame Corner Fitting for Gap-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window frame corner fittings face issues with gaps due to temperature differences and varying cross-sections of stiles, making complete welding and gap-free assembly challenging, especially between the upper stile and side stiles.
Innovation Solution
The use of corner fittings with a side wall and arm that abut the inner walls of the stiles, featuring a partially welded edge and additional functions like ventilation, insulation, and aesthetic covering, allowing connection of stiles with different cross-sections and filling the space where they meet, while incorporating a ventilation channel and hood attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to join stiles with different cross-sections, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing feasibility deteriorates due to incompatible welded edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corner fitting as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between stiles with different cross-sections. The corner fitting has a first fitting portion that interfaces with one stile and a second fitting portion that interfaces with another stile, allowing stiles with incompatible geometries to be joined through the mediating corner fitting rather than direct welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the joint connection into three separate components: the first stile, the corner fitting, and the second stile. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized geometries, where the corner fitting is specifically designed to accommodate the different cross-sections of the connected stiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner fittings are used to join stiles with different cross-sections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The corner fitting is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, geometric adaptation, and structural strengthening. It accommodates different stile cross-sections through its specifically shaped fitting portions while also reinforcing the corner joint, thereby achieving multiple functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of connection, adaptation, and reinforcement into a single corner fitting component. Rather than using separate elements for each function, the corner fitting integrates these roles, reducing the overall number of components needed while maintaining adaptability to different stile configurations.
3Strength
If complete welding is attempted between stiles with different cross-sections, then joint strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements become unmet due to gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The corner fitting serves as a mediator that absorbs the geometric mismatches between stiles with different cross-sections. By providing specifically shaped fitting portions, it ensures intimate contact and proper alignment between connected stiles, eliminating gaps that would otherwise form in direct weld joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner fitting's geometry is specifically designed with varying dimensions and profiles to match the different cross-sections of connected stiles. This parameter adaptation in the corner fitting's design allows it to bridge the geometric differences and enable precise, gap-free assembly.
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
Enables gap-free and aesthetically pleasing assembly of window frames with stiles of different cross-sections, providing insulation, ventilation, and secure attachment of components, while allowing for the use of different stile cross-sections that cannot be fully welded, enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of the window frame.
Implementation Method 1
Each stile is made out of plastic profile elements, welded together into chamber profiles
Data Source
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AI summary
Window frame for a roof window comprising upper stile (1) with ventilation channel (10), lower stile (2) and two side stiles (3), wherein each stile is constructed out of plastic profiles constituting outer wall (11, 21), inner wall (12, 22, 31), top wall (13, 23) and bottom wall (14, 24) with closed chambers (4) in between them, so that the outer wall of each jamb stile constitutes the stile's external profile directed towards the roof structure, and the inner wall of each stile constitutes its internal profile directed towards the window frame internal opening, and upper stile (1) outer wall (11), top wall (13) and bottom wall (14) and the corresponding side stile (3) outer wall, top wall and bottom wall share welded edges wherein upper stile inner wall (12) and side stile inner wall comprises a partially welded common edge and corner fitting (5) which fills the remaining part of the window frame between upper stile (1) and side stile (3) .