Window Installation Structural Element with Shaped Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern buildings with multi-layer walls, the installation of doors and windows is challenging due to varying layer thicknesses and material properties, leading to suboptimal heat insulation and structural support, as traditional methods either compromise insulation or lack continuous support.

Innovation Solution

A structural element with horizontal and vertical longitudinal walls connected by shaped ribs, filled with insulating foam, providing a continuous oversailing reveal that supports the window or door while maintaining insulation, using a framework that carries the weight and an insulating layer for rigidity and thermal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional angle supports are used to support windows punctually, then the window weight is adequately carried, but the structural element does not provide continuous tightness of the window wall fixing and prevents homogeneous continuous insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow support capacityVSAvoidcontinuous insulation and tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function and insulation function into a single integrated structural element. The angle profile includes both the mechanical support structure and insulating material combined in one component, eliminating the need for separate angle supports and insulation layers. This integration ensures continuous insulation around the window while providing adequate structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural element uses composite construction combining a rigid framework (metal or plastic profile) with insulating material (foam or other thermal insulation). This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed to support the window and the thermal insulation properties required for continuous insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If foam materials are used to create continuous insulation plane around the window, then the oversailing reveal continuity is achieved, but the production requires expanding to lower density and then compressing to higher density which is adverse in terms of technology

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous insulation planeVSAvoidfoam material production process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies using foam material with density in the range of 20-40 kg/m³, which is a parameter optimization that balances insulation performance with manufacturing feasibility. This density range provides sufficient insulation properties while avoiding the complex two-stage expansion-compression process, simplifying production while maintaining continuous insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the window installation position is aligned with the masonry layer, then the installation is simplified in dual- or multi-layer walls, but the installation position cannot be chosen in terms of minimum heat loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary oversailing reveal structure that extends beyond the masonry layer. This reveal acts as a mediator that allows the window to be positioned optimally for thermal performance while the reveal itself provides the structural connection to the masonry. The insulating material within the reveal further reduces heat loss, decoupling the installation simplicity from heat loss minimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures proper support and insulation for windows and doors, maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance without hindering insulating works, using composite materials that balance strength and thermal conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

The spaces between the shaped ribs and between the inlet side wall and the shaped rib and the side wall and the shaped rib are filled with insulating foam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The advantage of this solution is that there is continuity of the oversailing reveal which means that such a profile, unlike in the angle supports punctually underpin the window, constitutes the extension of insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3507442B1Structural element for installation of doors and windows
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 AIB SP ZOO SPOKA KOMANDYTOWA
  • EP3507442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3507442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3507442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structural element for installation of windows and doors having an element connected to the installed window or door and an element connected to the building wall is characterized in that the horizontal longitudinal wall (1) and perpendicular to it vertical longitudinal wall (2) have a common edge (3) and are connected by shaped ribs (4). The left final edge (1.1) of the horizontal longitudinal wall (1) and the left final edge (2.1) of the vertical longitudinal wall (2) are connected to the left side wall (5). The right final edge (1.2) of the horizontal longitudinal wall (1) and the right final edge (2.2) of the vertical longitudinal wall (2) are connected by the right side wall (6). The spaces between the shaped ribs (4) and between the left side wall (5) and the shaped rib (4) and the right side wall (6) and the shaped rib (4) are filled with foam.