Adjustable Roof Window Hinge Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof windows installed in sloping roofs face issues with warpage, bulging, and installation errors, leading to sluggish operation and uneven gaps between the sash frame and window frame, which cannot be easily corrected without dismantling the window.

Innovation Solution

The roof window design includes a frame bearing part slidably mounted on a fastening angle element with an adjusting screw, allowing for adjustment of the swing hinge to align the casement frame with the window frame, using an adjusting screw to displace the frame bearing part relative to the mounting angle element and securing it with fastening screws, enabling correction without dismantling the window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the roof window is installed in a sloping roof, then the window provides effective lighting and ventilation, but the weight of the casement frame exerts corresponding weight on the swing hinge, causing the frame bearing part to be pressed against the mounting bracket element by gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting and ventilation effectivenessVSAvoidweight force on swing hinge
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The frame bearing part is designed to be displaceable relative to the mounting bracket element through a threaded connection, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to gravitational forces and installation variations. The adjustment screw enables the bearing part to be repositioned along the inclined direction, compensating for the constant gravitational pull on the casement frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the frame bearing part is made fixed to the window frame, then the structure is stable, but installation errors and warpage cannot be remedied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadjustability for installation errors
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the frame bearing part and window frame is changed from fixed to adjustable. The threaded connection allows the bearing part to be positioned at different locations along the inclined direction, providing adaptability for correcting installation errors while maintaining structural integrity through the fastening screw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the frame bearing part is made variable through the adjustment screw, which changes the spatial parameter of the bearing part's location. This allows correction of installation errors by adjusting the position along the inclined direction, while the fastening screw maintains structural stability when the correct position is reached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame bearing part is made adjustable, then installation errors can be corrected, but the frame bearing part may move unintentionally due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for alignmentVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a completely fixed connection to an adjustable connection with a locking mechanism. The adjustment screw provides adaptability for alignment, while the fastening screw acts as a locking element that prevents unintentional movement, thus ensuring position stability after adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening screw is designed to secure the frame bearing part in the desired position after adjustment. This preliminary locking action prevents gravity from causing unintentional movement, ensuring that once the correct alignment is achieved, the position remains stable and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fastening screw is made removable for adjustment, then alignment can be corrected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrectability of installation errorsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into two independent functions: the adjustment screw for positioning and the fastening screw for locking. This segmentation allows simple adjustment by loosening only the fastening screw, maintaining low device complexity while providing full correctability of installation errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-screw system creates a simple dynamic mechanism where the fastening screw can be quickly loosened to enable adjustment, then retightened to secure the corrected position. This maintains low complexity by using standard screw mechanisms rather than complex adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for simple and effective alignment of the sash frame relative to the window frame, ensuring proper operation and preventing unintentional adjustments, all without removing the roof window, thus addressing the issues of warpage and installation errors.

Implementation Method 1

with an adjusting screw being mounted on the first leg, with which the frame bearing part can be displaced relative to the mounting angle element against the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the at least one fastening screw secures the set position of the frame bearing part, i.e. the adjustment work is 'fixed' by tightening the fastening screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the frame bearing part is pressed against the mounting bracket element by gravity, i.e. the frame bearing part is always in contact with the adjusting screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2947247B1Residential skylight with an adjustable hinge
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP2947247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2947247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2947247B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a roof window (1) that can be installed in a pitched roof, comprising a sash frame (3) and a frame (2), on which the sash frame (3) is pivotally mounted on each side by means of a pivot hinge (6,7), wherein each pivot hinge (6,7) has a sash bearing part (10,11) that can be attached to the sash frame (3) and a frame bearing part (8,9) that can be attached to the frame (2).It is provided that the frame bearing part (8,9) is slidably mounted on a mounting bracket element (28) which has a first leg (31,47) associated with an inner side (21) of the frame (2) and a second leg (32,48) associated with a rebate side (22) of the frame (2), wherein an adjusting screw (41) is mounted on the first leg (31,47) with which the frame bearing part (8,9) can be displaced against the influence of gravity relative to the mounting bracket element (28), and wherein at least one fastening screw (66,67) is associated with the second leg (32,48) with which the frame bearing part (8,9) is fixed after adjustment by means of the adjusting screw (41).