Window Frame Threshold with Segmented Sealing Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window frames with low ground sills are complex to process and lack effective sealing and drainage solutions, particularly in areas prone to water and snow accumulation, which can lead to water infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A window frame with a threshold featuring corner-welded hollow plastic profiles and a central sealing plane, incorporating a threshold element with separable profiles that form a saddle threshold, utilizing extruded aluminum profiles and elastomeric corner elements for sealing and drainage, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process while maintaining high tightness and thermal separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low-lying threshold is used to achieve barrier-free access, then ease of operation is improved, but water tightness deteriorates as water can seep under the sash into the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold is divided into multiple separable profiles (outer profile, inner profile, intermediate elements) that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the threshold to be designed with a low profile for barrier-free access while incorporating integrated sealing elements that prevent water ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and water tightness.
2Strength
If a continuous metal profile is used for the threshold, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates as it no longer meets current building standards
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold employs composite construction combining aluminum profiles (for structural integrity) with thermal insulation elements and sealing components (for thermal performance). The multi-profile design includes intermediate elements that provide thermal breaks, allowing the threshold to maintain both structural strength and compliance with thermal insulation requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If corner-welded hollow plastic profiles with central gasket are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing effectiveness in corner areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corner sealing is segmented into multiple components including corner elements, sealing profiles, and intermediate elements that work together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall sealing effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and sealing reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the outer profile is cut to length with high precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold profiles are designed with adjustable or flexible connection elements that can accommodate variations in profile length. This dynamic design allows the assembly to self-adjust to minor dimensional variations, maintaining high manufacturing precision without requiring complex precision cutting equipment or processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame (100) with a threshold element (30) comprises at least two vertical mullions (13) and a horizontal rail (11) onto which the threshold element (30) can be placed, and wherein a corner sealing element (20) is provided on each side of the threshold profile (30), which can be inserted into a respective corner area (20) of the frame (100). The threshold element (30) is divided lengthwise into a threshold profile (30) that can be placed onto the frame and an outer profile (40) that can be attached to the outside of it. A corner sealing element (20) is provided on each side of the threshold profile (30), which can be inserted into the respective corner area (20) of the frame (100). The threshold profile (30) extends to a dividing plane (T) on the outside (12) of the frame (100).The outer profile element (40) can be coupled to the threshold profile (30) via a connecting profile area (32) and can be placed against the outer surface (12) of the frame (100). The outer profile (40) extends longitudinally beyond the ends of the threshold profile (30) and covers at least the corner sealing elements (20).