Window Frame Notch Protrusion Shrinkage Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing window unit manufacturing process faces issues with permanent force application on glazing panels due to the injection and cooling processes, leading to shrinkage and gaps between the primary part and the glazing panel, which is exacerbated by the complexity and cost of adding secondary parts like primer materials.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating notches and protrusions in the primary part's profile to reduce shrinkage and gaps, with optional secondary soft components for enhanced fit and aesthetic, using a mold to create these features during the injection process, and employing materials like polypropylene or thermoplastic elastomers for the primary and secondary parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a primary part is injected around the glazing panel to surround and grip the window, then the window unit gains structural support and enclosure, but permanent force is applied to the glazing panel causing shrinkage and gaps during cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidgap between primary part and glazing panel

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple parts: a primary hard component part and a secondary soft component part. The primary part provides structural support while the secondary part compensates for shrinkage and eliminates gaps, allowing each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame combines two different materials with complementary properties: a hard component (e.g., polypropylene, polyamide) for structural strength and a soft component (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer, TPE) for flexibility and gap compensation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity and avoiding permanent deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If a secondary part with primer material is added to reduce gaps, then the gap between primary part and glazing panel is reduced, but the manufacturing process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary soft component part is integrated with the primary hard component part to form a unified frame structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate primer material application steps and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining gap reduction benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The soft component part changes the mechanical parameters of the frame by introducing flexibility and elasticity. This allows the frame to adapt to glazing panel curvature and compensate for shrinkage through material deformation rather than complex assembly processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the primary part is made entirely of hard material, then structural strength is maximized, but the solution is not applicable when window unit flexibility is needed and gap reduction is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidapplicability to different window configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the frame have different material properties: the primary part uses hard material for structural strength where rigidity is needed, while the secondary part uses soft material for flexibility and gap compensation where adaptability is required. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between strength and versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach minimizes or eliminates gaps between the primary part and the glazing panel, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, while maintaining the mechanical properties and stiffness of the window unit, allowing for a more secure and aesthetically pleasing fit.

Implementation Method 1

the shrinkage of the primary part during the cooling step of the process of making the window unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShrinkage: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11479099B2Window unit comprising a glazing panel and a frame

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 AGC GLASS EUROPE SA

AI summary

A window unit for windows in motor vehicles and the like, including a glazing panel and a frame with a profile that encompasses at least partially the peripheral sides of the glazing panel. The frame includes a primary part which is in the form of a hard component and features an exterior profile where the primary part has at least one inner profile line with at least one notch and/or one protrusion extending from the peripheral side of the glazing panel to the center of the window unit. The primary part is capable of being fixed onto another object like a car body, a decorative object, a building, a door frame, or the like.