Adjustable Skylight Mounting Frame for Tool-Free Rafter Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for installing roof windows are time-consuming and require multiple steps, including preparing the roof opening, attaching installation frames, and ensuring weatherproofing, which complicates the process and increases installation time.

Innovation Solution

An installation frame with length-adjustable transverse and longitudinal changes that can be attached tool-free, featuring connecting elements and support elements to securely fit around roof rafters, allowing for quick and secure mounting of the roof window without the need for additional sealing measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mounting frames are used for installing roof windows, then the installation process requires multiple steps including preparing the roof opening, attaching installation frames, and ensuring weatherproofing, but this increases installation time and complicates the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple installation functions into a single integrated mounting frame structure. The mounting frame includes integrated support elements for attaching to rafters, transverse changes for positioning, and built-in sealing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate installation frames and weatherproofing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, positioning, and weatherproofing functions. The frame can be adapted to different rafter configurations while maintaining all essential installation functions, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the mounting frame requires tool-free attachment, then the installation process is simplified and speeded up, but the securing strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidsecuring strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the frame to be easily positioned and attached without tools, while automatically achieving secure fixation. The transverse changes can be adjusted to fit different rafter spacings, and the form-locking mechanisms engage automatically to provide strong securing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame incorporates self-securing features where the form-locking devices automatically engage with the rafters upon insertion, providing secure attachment without requiring additional tools or complex fastening operations. The design allows the installer to simply position the frame and the self-service mechanisms complete the securement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3943683B1Installation frame for installing a skylight, skylight assembly, roof assembly and method for installing a skylight
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ROTO FRANK DACHSYST TECH GMBH
  • EP3943683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3943683B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounting frame (7) for mounting a roof window (6) in a roof opening (8) of a roof (2) having several rafters (4,5). The installation frame (7) is characterized by several length-adjustable transverse crossbars (9, 10) and several longitudinal crossbars (18, 19) that can be attached to the transverse crossbars (9, 10) without tools, which are designed and configured to jointly encompass an installation opening (20) for the roof window (6) in an installation position, wherein the transverse crossbars (9, 10) each have a connecting element (11, 12) that can be arranged between the roof rafters (4, 5) for attaching the longitudinal crossbars (18, 19) and a support element (13, 14, 15, 16) that is adjustable with respect to the connecting element (11, 12) and projects beyond the connecting element (11, 12) for supporting the connecting element (11, 12) on the roof rafter (4, 5).The invention further relates to a roof window arrangement (3), a roof arrangement (1) and a method for mounting a roof window (6).