Window Frame Mounting Channels Conceal Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window frame installation methods require driving attachment hardware through the front face, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and complicates the transition with surrounding siding during construction or renovation.
Innovation Solution
A window frame design featuring channels and mounting strips that allow for attachment to the wall without penetrating the frame's front face, enabling the frame to be secured before siding is installed, with channels accommodating siding elements and strips forming a flange for secure attachment to the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If attachment hardware is driven through the front face of the frame, then the frame can be securely attached to the wall, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and the transition with surrounding siding becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the attachment hardware from the front face (2D surface) to the rear face of the frame, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to resolve the contradiction. Mounting channels are formed on the rear face of the frame members, allowing attachment hardware to be driven through the rear face rather than the front face, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into multiple members (head, jamb, sill) with mounting channels formed on their rear faces. This segmentation allows each member to be independently attached to the wall structure through its own mounting channels, enabling secure attachment without compromising the aesthetic front faces of any individual frame member.
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame is attached to the wall after siding is installed, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channels are pre-formed on the rear faces of the frame members during manufacturing, and the frame is designed to be attached to the wall structure before siding installation. This preliminary preparation enables the frame to be securely mounted in advance, simplifying the overall installation process and improving productivity without compromising aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If mounting channels are formed on the rear face of frame members, then attachment hardware can be concealed, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channels are merged with the rear faces of the frame members, integrating the attachment function into the existing frame structure rather than adding separate mounting components. This merging approach conceals the attachment hardware while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of affixing a frame around a wall penetration such as a window box before siding panels are affixed to the wall. The frame has front and back faces and inner and outer edges, a primary channel extending along the outer edge, and a flange extending along the outer edge, The steps include: placing the window frame around the window box; affixing the flange to the wall; placing a first panel against the wall and inserting a vertical edge of the first panel into a primary channel of the frame; affixing the first panel to the wall; inserting a vertical edge of a second panel into the primary channel and engaging a longitudinal edge of the second panel with a longitudinal edge of the first panel; affixing the second panel to the wall; and repeating steps until the all sides of the frame engage siding panels.