Window Support Bracket with Adjustable Insulating Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support brackets for window or door frames fail to effectively compensate for unevenness in building substructures while providing adequate insulation and load-bearing capacity, especially for sliding doors on outer walls.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket design featuring separate plate-shaped upper and lower parts connected by height-adjustable connecting elements, with the upper part made of low thermal conductivity materials and incorporating rails for easy installation and adjustment, along with additional thermal insulation and sealing mechanisms to ensure stability and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support bracket uses metal connecting elements for high load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is divided into multiple separate components: upper support elements, lower support elements, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the upper and lower elements can be made of insulating materials while connecting elements provide structural support, reducing thermal bridges while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The upper and lower support elements are made of insulating materials (plastic, wood, or rigid foam with specific thermal conductivity ≤0.5 W/mK), while connecting elements provide mechanical strength. This composite approach achieves both thermal insulation and high load-bearing capacity simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support bracket uses a solid rigid structure for stability, then the stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for unevenness in the substructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket incorporates adjustable connecting elements with screws that enable height adjustment. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the bracket to adapt to uneven substructures while maintaining stable support once adjusted. The rigid foam material also provides slight compliance to accommodate minor irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements allow changing the geometric parameters (height, angle) of the support bracket to match the uneven substructure. By adjusting the screw connections, the effective length and orientation of connecting elements can be modified to compensate for surface irregularities while maintaining overall structural stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support bracket uses traditional mounting methods for easy installation, then the ease of installation is improved, but the insulating effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is provided as pre-assembled segments (upper support elements, lower support elements, connecting elements) that can be easily installed by connecting these segments together. This segmentation enables simple installation while the insulating materials used in each segment maintain the thermal insulation performance throughout the assembled structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of insulating materials (plastic, wood, rigid foam) in the composite structure provides both ease of installation through lightweight construction and maintained insulating effect. The rigid foam material with controlled thermal conductivity ensures thermal performance is preserved even in the assembled and installed state.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper part is made of insulating material for thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper support elements are made of insulating materials (plastic, wood, or rigid foam with thermal conductivity ≤0.5 W/mK) that provide thermal insulation. The load-bearing capacity is maintained through the composite structure where these insulating elements work together with the lower support elements and connecting elements to distribute and support the load, achieving both insulation and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is segmented into multiple load-path components. The upper support elements provide insulation and distribute loads to the connecting elements, which then transfer loads to the lower support elements and substructure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized - insulating materials where thermal performance is critical, while the overall segmented structure maintains load-bearing capacity through multiple load paths.
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 allows for effective load transfer, compensation of unevenness, and enhanced thermal insulation, ensuring a stable and insulated running surface for sliding doors.
Implementation Method 1
The upper part and preferably also the at least one lower part are formed from a rigid foam material... The upper part and preferably also the at least one lower part preferably consist of a material with a specific thermal conductivity in the range from 0.05 to 0.2 W/mK
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The support bracket (4) for a frame profile (8) of a window or door comprises at least one lower part (12), which is to be attached to a substructure (6) of a building, and a plate-shaped upper part (14) spaced apart from the at least one lower part (12), which serves to support the frame profile (8). The at least one lower part (12) and the upper part (14) are designed as separate parts and are connected to each other at points by means of connecting elements (16) that allow height adjustment. The upper part (14) is made of plastic or wood.