Window Sash Interlocking Clip Resists Wind Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window assemblies in coastal regions face challenges in withstanding high wind loads during hurricanes or tornadoes, leading to potential deformation and separation of sash frames from the main frame, especially when glass panels are broken.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking system using an L-shaped clip member with a first flange and a second flange that projects into a groove between sash frame members, engaging to lock the frames together under wind loads and prevent permanent deformation, comprising rigid PVC or plastic extrusions with mitered corner joints and reinforcing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional window assemblies are used in coastal regions, then the window assembly can be installed and operated normally, but the sash frame may deform or separate from the main frame under high wind loads during hurricanes or tornadoes
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into modular components including the main frame, movable sash frame, and fixed sash frame, each with specific interlocking features. The sash frame includes separate flanges, grooves, and clip members that function independently to provide locking and reinforcement, allowing the assembly to maintain integrity under extreme wind loads while remaining manufacturable and installable.
2Ease of operation
If the sash frame is designed to be movable for normal operation, then the window can be opened and closed, but the sash frame may separate from the main frame when subjected to high negative or positive wind load after glass breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking system is designed to be dynamic, allowing normal movement during operation but automatically engaging locking mechanisms under extreme loads. The clip member with resilient portion can deflect to accommodate movement but engages firmly with the groove to prevent separation when subjected to high negative or positive wind loads after glass breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking system with flanges, grooves, and clip members is pre-installed on the sash frame and main frame before any impact occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when glass breakage and subsequent high wind loads occur, the sash frame is already secured and prevented from separating from the main frame.
3Ease of manufacture
If the window assembly uses rigid plastics material or PVC extrusions, then the manufacturing is simplified and cost-effective, but the assembly may not have sufficient strength to resist high wind loads and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly combines rigid plastics material or PVC extrusions with metal reinforcement members and interlocking hardware components. The extruded sash frame members incorporate reinforcing elements that maintain the ease of extrusion manufacturing while significantly enhancing the overall strength and wind load resistance of the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly includes a main outer support frame supporting at least one movable rectangular sash frame enclosing an insulated glass panel. The sash frame is supported for vertical or horizontal movement between open and closed positions, and an interlocking system is effective to lock adjacent overlapping sash frame members. The interlocking system includes an angular metal clip member mounted on one sash frame member and having a flange projecting into a slot within the adjacent sash frame member. A pair of clip members are located under the tilt latches on single and double hung window assemblies and are secured to a vertical sash frame member on a horizontal sliding window assembly. The interlocking system responds to a substantial positive or negative wind load or such a wind load after an impact which breaks a glass panel, to limit deflection and prevent permanent deformation or release of the movable sash frame.