Window Frame System with One-Piece Main Segment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available window frame systems that allow one window to be opened while another cannot, often have a multi-piece frame with interrupted top and bottom bars, resulting in a visually unappealing appearance due to numerous gaps, which detract from the system's aesthetic and structural consistency.
Innovation Solution
A window frame system with a one-piece main segment and recessed intermediate segment that engages with the glass element, providing a tight connection and reducing visible joints, allowing the main and intermediate surfaces to lie in the same plane, enhancing the visual appeal and stability by using a recessed design for the glazing bead attachment on the inside and sealing with rubber or silicone seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-piece frame with interrupted top and bottom bars is used, then the window frame system can accommodate both fixed and openable windows, but the appearance becomes visually unappealing due to numerous gaps and inconsistent frame appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixed window frame and the openable window sash into a single continuous top bar and bottom bar structure. The previously separate frame pieces are combined into unified continuous elements that span the entire window width, eliminating the visual discontinuity caused by multiple joints while still accommodating both fixed and openable window functions through integrated mounting points and sealing structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate segments are added between glass elements and main segments, then the frame can accommodate multiple window types, but the intermediate segments protrude and create optical negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the intermediate segments within recesses formed in the continuous top and bottom bars. The intermediate segments are positioned inside these recesses rather than protruding outward, creating a flush surface where the outer surfaces of the intermediate segments align with the outer surfaces of the main frame segments. This nesting approach maintains surface flatness while preserving the adaptability to accommodate different window configurations.
3Shape
If a one-piece main segment is used, then the visual appeal and structural stability are improved, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous top and bottom bars into manufacturable sections that can be produced separately and then joined. The one-piece main segments are divided into multiple components that can be manufactured using standard extrusion or molding processes, then assembled together with intermediate segments to form the complete continuous frame structure. This segmentation maintains the visual uniformity of the finished product while making the manufacturing process practical and cost-effective.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a window frame system for accommodating at least two windows (21, 22), comprising a top rail (24), a bottom rail (25), side rails (23), and at least one mullion (10), wherein at least one first window (21) is not openable and at least one second window (22) is openable outwards, and each window (21, 22) has at least one glass element (4), and the second window (22) has a sash frame (8). The objective of providing a more visually appealing window frame system is achieved according to the invention by having at least the top rail (24) or the bottom rail (25) comprise a single-piece main segment (1).