Window Mullion Structural Unit for Concealed Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door designs face challenges with insufficient reinforcement, visible reinforcement profiles, and insulation gaps due to small cross-sections, especially with heavier sash weights, requiring additional work steps and fittings for securement.
Innovation Solution
A channel in the frame or wing spars with a preassembled reinforcement profile and push rod forms a structural unit, allowing for concealed installation and enhanced reinforcement, with a recessed groove and retaining lugs for secure positioning and insulation material for improved rigidity and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcement profile with small cross-section is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and reinforcement are insufficient for heavy sash weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcement profile and connecting rod into a single integrated structural unit. The connecting rod is guided directly in the reinforcement profile, eliminating the need for separate chambers or housings. This merging provides both the required reinforcement strength and connects moving parts while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement profile is designed with pre-formed guiding surfaces and mounting features for the connecting rod. The structural unit is pre-assembled with the connecting rod positioned and guided within the reinforcement profile before installation into the window frame, ensuring proper alignment and reducing on-site assembly complexity.
2Shape
If the reinforcement profile is inserted all the way to the corner drive or profile corner, then the frame profile appearance is improved (smooth and closed), but the manufacturing complexity increases due to additional work steps
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connecting rod guidance directly into the reinforcement profile, the patent eliminates the need for separate corner drives or additional fitting components. The reinforcement profile extends to the corners and provides both structural reinforcement and functional guidance in a single component, maintaining smooth frame profiles while simplifying manufacturing.
3Strength
If a separate reinforcement profile is inserted during manufacturing, then the strength is improved, but the productivity decreases due to additional work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement profile and connecting rod into a single pre-assembled structural unit that is installed in one operation. This eliminates the need for separate insertion steps for reinforcement profiles and connecting rods, improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining the strength benefits of reinforced frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural unit is pre-assembled during manufacturing with the connecting rod positioned and secured in the reinforcement profile. This preliminary assembly allows the complete unit to be installed as one component, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and improving productivity compared to installing separate components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the reinforcement profile remains visible after installation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the appearance quality deteriorates requiring surface treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functional connecting rod guidance with the reinforcement profile into a single integrated component. The connecting rod is guided directly in the reinforcement profile, allowing the reinforcement to be concealed within the frame structure while maintaining installation simplicity. This eliminates the need for visible surface treatments on reinforcement components.
Data Source
AI summary
A window or door with a sash (2) pivoting against a frame (1), consisting of elongated mullions for the frame (8-11) and elongated mullions for the sash (4-7), and with receptacles extending longitudinally along the frame mullions (8-11) or the sash mullions (4-7) for a structural unit (32), comprising a first reinforcement profile (19) and a push rod (14) of a drive rod fitting (3) guided longitudinally on the first reinforcement profile (19) with limited longitudinal displacement, is to be further designed to allow simple installation with a completely concealed arrangement of the push rod and a high degree of reinforcement of the mullions. This is achieved by a receptacle for the structural unit (34), which is formed by a channel (18) in the frame mullions (8-11) or the sash mullions (4-7) that is open only at the ends of the separate, unmounted mullions (8-11, 4-7).