Adjustable Window Frame Clamping for Variable RV Wall Thickness

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame supporting brackets for recreational vehicles require custom design for each wall thickness, leading to high production costs, installation complexity, and potential detachment risks due to material fatigue, necessitating frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A device with a guiding body, clamping body, and fixing member that allows adjustable attachment to various wall thicknesses through a screwing mechanism, ensuring reliable and easy installation with snap-fit fastening for frames and windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom supporting brackets are designed for each wall thickness, then the frame support reliability is improved, but the production cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe support reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting bracket is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple wall thicknesses through adjustable components. The bracket includes an adjustable arm with multiple positioning holes and a threaded rod mechanism that allows it to adapt to different wall thickness requirements, eliminating the need for multiple custom-designed brackets for different wall thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable components including an adjustable arm that can be repositioned along the frame, and a threaded rod mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of the bracket's position and angle. This dynamic design enables the same bracket to reliably support frames in walls of varying thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If custom supporting brackets are designed for each wall thickness, then the frame support reliability is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe support reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting bracket is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple wall thicknesses through adjustable components. The bracket includes an adjustable arm with multiple positioning holes and a threaded rod mechanism that allows it to adapt to different wall thickness requirements, eliminating the need for multiple custom-designed brackets for different wall thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual installation of supporting brackets is performed, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the installation time and manpower consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with pre-configured adjustment mechanisms including pre-drilled positioning holes in the adjustable arm and a threaded rod with nut assembly that is pre-assembled. These preliminary preparations allow installers to quickly adjust and secure the bracket in different positions without complex assembly steps, reducing installation time while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed-size supporting brackets are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different wall thicknesses decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to wall thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable components including an adjustable arm that can be repositioned along the frame, and a threaded rod mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of the bracket's position and angle. This dynamic design enables the same bracket to reliably support frames in walls of varying thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 secure frame support across a range of wall thicknesses with simplified installation, reduced material fatigue issues, and cost-effective maintenance by adjusting clamping force without replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing member (130) has a threaded portion (132) and a head portion (134). The fixing member (130) engages via its threaded portion into a counter element provided in the guiding body so as to be screwable in and out.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4013633B1Device for supporting a frame in an opening, a frame with such a device, a window, a recreational vehicle with such a frame or window and method for supporting the frame or the window in the opening

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 DOMETIC APPLIANCES

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a device (100) for supporting a frame (10) in an opening (30), in particular in a wall opening (30) of a recreational vehicle, like a motor home or a caravan. The device (100) according to the present invention is configured in such a way, that the frame (10) is attached to the wall (30) via one single rotational movement of one component (120) of the device (100). Furthermore, the present invention refers to a corresponding frame, a corresponding window, a recreational vehicle with such a frame (10) or window (1) and corresponding methods.