Casement Window Profile Connection via Hook Cams and Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for producing French windows or doors are complex and require significant assembly effort due to the use of profiles with different cross-sections, leading to high production costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A profile system comprising a window frame profile, a sash frame profile, a faceplate base profile, and a faceplate blow strip profile, where the faceplate base profile and blow strip profile are connected using hook-shaped cams and snap-in connection means, allowing for a form-fitting mechanical attachment and adhesive bonding, resulting in high mechanical stability and a reliable seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard hollow chamber profiles are used for plastic casement windows, then the basic window structure is achieved, but additional effort is required to remove the sash from the inner flashing and cover the resulting grooves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The window frame is divided into separate components (frame profile, faceplate base profile, faceplate blow strip profile) that can be manufactured independently and then connected through positive engagement, allowing for easier assembly and reducing the need for post-assembly modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The faceplate blow strip profile is inserted into the faceplate base profile, with the former being positively connected to the latter. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate covering operations and integrates multiple functions into a unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular profile system with basic profile and additional profiles is used, then different types of frames can be produced, but the production cost is significantly higher than with conventional profile systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe type versatilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The faceplate base profile and faceplate blow strip profile are designed with universal positive connection features (hook-shaped cams and latching connection means) that can be used across different window frame configurations, allowing a single modular system to produce various frame types without requiring specialized components for each variant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If sash frame and forend basic profiles with very different cross-sections are used, then the French casement window structure is achieved, but complex trimming and special sealing caps are required in the miter joint area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile cross-sectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection features (hook-shaped cams and latching connection means) are localized to specific regions of the profiles, allowing the majority of the profile cross-sections to maintain their required different shapes while the connection areas are standardized for easy assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The positive connection features are pre-formed as integral parts of the profiles during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex trimming operations and special sealing caps during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method simplifies the assembly process, achieves high mechanical stability, and ensures a reliable seal while reducing production costs by allowing for a more economical and efficient connection of profiles with a high proportion of welded cross-sectional area, enabling the production of French windows or doors with narrow visible widths and strong corners.

Implementation Method 1

the forend base profile and the forend blow bar profile each have a hook-shaped cam which is operatively connected to one another in the connected state and has an undercut, and together a pair of latching connection means which are operatively connected to one another in the connected state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

adhesive is applied to the forend basic profile and/or the forend-blow bar profile and the forend-blow bar profile is connected to the forend basic profile in a latching manner by means of a rotary movement, with the adhesive being pressed into the cavity and this at least partially fills

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

Window frame profile, sash frame profile, cuff base profile and cuff ledge profile are preferably manufactured as hollow chamber profiles made of PVC-U in an extrusion process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3187677B1Method for producing a battery french casement window
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 PROFINE GMBH
  • EP3187677B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3187677B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3187677B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

For the efficient production of a casement window (1) or a casement door, a profile system is used comprising at least one frame profile (2), one sash profile (3), one casement base profile (4), and one casement strike plate profile (5), wherein the casement base profile (4) and the casement strike plate profile (5) include means for positive locking with one another. As means for positive locking, the casement base profile (4) and the casement strike plate profile (5) each have a hook-shaped cam (18, 22) with an undercut, which is operatively connected to one another in the connected state, and together form a pair of snap-fit ​​connecting elements that are operatively connected to one another in the connected state. The hook-shaped cams (18, 22) and the snap-fit ​​connecting elements are spaced apart from one another and form a cavity (31) in the intermediate area for receiving adhesive (24).To manufacture a mullion sash, the mullion base profile (4) and a sash frame profile (3) are mitered and welded together in the mitered area, forming a projection (26). The projection (26) is removed by machining. Adhesive (24) is then applied to the mullion base profile (4) and/or the mullion strike plate profile (5) in the area between the hook-shaped cams (18, 22) and the snap-fit ​​connecting elements (snap rib 19, projection 32). The mullion strike plate profile (5) is then snapped into place with the mullion base profile (4) by means of a rotary motion, whereby the adhesive (24) at least partially fills the cavity (31). This method enables the efficient production of both rebate and center gasket systems with very narrow sightlines and high corner strength.