Window Sill End Profile Thermal Expansion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window sill connection systems fail to prevent tilting or skewing of the end profile during thermally induced changes in length, leading to potential cracks and compromised tightness, which can result in moisture penetration and visual impairment.

Innovation Solution

A window sill with an attachable end profile featuring a T-shaped or double-T-shaped web that ensures parallel alignment, combined with an elastic sealing element to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, preventing tilting and maintaining tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an elastic sealing device is used to accommodate thermal expansion, then the window sill can shift relative to the end profile, but the end profile may tilt or become misaligned leading to cracking and compromised tightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidconnection tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specifically designed connection profile as an intermediary component between the window sill and end profile. This connection profile includes a support surface that actively prevents tilting of the end profile while allowing axial displacement for thermal expansion. The intermediary structure mediates between the conflicting requirements of movement accommodation and alignment maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection profile is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to accommodate thermal expansion through controlled movement while maintaining structural stability. The support surface provides dynamic support that adapts to thermal changes without compromising the alignment of the end profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the end profile is rigidly fixed to prevent tilting, then alignment is maintained, but thermal expansion causes stress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection profile creates a dynamic connection that maintains precise alignment through its support surface while allowing controlled movement for thermal expansion. This dynamic design prevents rigid constraints that would cause stress buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection allows parameter changes in the form of axial displacement to accommodate thermal expansion, while the support surface maintains the critical alignment parameter. This selective parameter management resolves the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the connection allows movement for thermal expansion, then stress is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to tilting and cracking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection profile acts as an intermediary that decouples the movement function from the alignment function. It allows axial movement for stress reduction while the support surface independently maintains alignment precision, preventing tilting and cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: one that allows movement for thermal expansion and another (the support surface) that maintains alignment. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides increased dimensional stability and ensures a tight, crack-free connection, effectively preventing moisture ingress and maintaining the window sill's alignment during thermal changes, thus ensuring the window sill's structural integrity and sealing effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic sealing element to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

accommodate thermal expansion and contraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

preventing moisture ingress and maintaining the window sill's alignment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2514904B1Window sill
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 STO SE & CO KGAA
  • EP2514904B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP2514904B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The window sill (1) has a plug-end section (2) with legs (2.1,2.2) attached right angles to each other. A U-,L-,T-or double-T-shaped bar (4) is extended along a side edge in U-shaped cross-section of the plug-end section. The bar is made of plastic, aluminum or aluminum alloy, and is connected to the window sill using an adhesive bond. The plug-end section is provided with a resilient seal element (5) made of polyethylene, polyurethane, ethylene propylene diene monomer or silicone, rubber, PVC or thermoplastic elastomer.