Outwardly Opening Window Assembly Reinforcement Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outwardly opening window assemblies require thermally resistive profile members that are strong enough to support both mounting and locking mechanisms, which is challenging due to the different hardware mounting orientations compared to inwardly opening windows, where known thermally resistive profiles with weak outer sides are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a re-enforcement fitting attached to the outer element of the window sash, which extends towards the inside of the window assembly to support the locking mechanism, ensuring strength independent of the thermally resistive element's material, and optimizing the connection between the thermally resistive and outer elements for enhanced thermal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermally resistive profile member with a weak outer side made from plastic is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but structural strength to support mounting and locking hardware is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The profile member is constructed as a composite structure combining a thermally resistive outer element (made from plastic or similar material) with a thermally conductive inner element (made from aluminium or similar metal). The outer element provides thermal insulation by resisting heat transfer, while the inner element provides the necessary structural strength to support mounting and locking hardware. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing both thermal insulation and structural strength to coexist in different parts of the same profile member.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is mounted on the inner side of the profile member, then ease of operation is improved, but the weak outer side cannot support the locking hardware loads
Solution Approach 1:
The composite profile structure allows the locking mechanism to be mounted on the inner side for ease of operation while the inner aluminium element provides the necessary load-bearing capacity. The thermally resistive outer element can be made thinner or more aesthetically pleasing since the structural support function is handled by the inner metal element.
3Strength
If a strong metal profile member is used for the entire sash, then structural strength is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a solid metal profile, the invention uses a composite profile where the metal (aluminium) inner element provides structural strength and the plastic outer element provides thermal insulation. This composite construction allows both strong structural performance and good thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
4Temperature
If all four profile members are made thermally resistive, then thermal insulation is improved, but the ability to support mounting and locking hardware on all sides is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making all four profile members composite structures with both thermally resistive outer elements and strong inner elements, the window can achieve good thermal insulation on all sides while maintaining the capability to support mounting and locking hardware on any side. The inner metal element in each profile provides the necessary structural support.
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
The re-enforcement fitting provides necessary support for the locking mechanism, enhancing the structural integrity and thermal performance of the window assembly by distributing loads effectively and increasing the distance between the cold outer element and the warm inside surface.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally resistive element which is connected to said flange of said outer element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The outwardly opening window assembly comprises four window sash profile members each comprising an outer element, a flange which extends at least partially opposite a peripheral edge of the window pane and means for attaching mounting hardware to the outer element, a thermally resistive element which is connected to said flange of said outer element, and an inner element which is connected to said thermally resistive element. The window assembly further comprises a re-enforcement fitting which is fastened to the outer element of one of the profile members and which extends in a direction towards the inside of the window assembly such that at least a portion of said fitting is located between at least a portion of the inner element which is connected to said thermally resistive element and a portion of a window frame. The re-enforcement fitting is in supporting contact with a portion of a locking mechanism.