Cover Assembly Bent Edge Segmentation for Roof Penetrating Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover assemblies for roof penetrating structures face challenges in achieving full insertion of the edge flange into the pocket, especially in slit-shaped pockets with low height, and in easy disassembly for recycling or repair.

Innovation Solution

The cover assembly features a bent edge with a compacted section and a lip section, where the pocket height is greater than the edge flange height at the compacted section but less than the maximum edge flange height at the lip section, facilitating full insertion and easy disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the pocket height is reduced to create a slit-shaped pocket for design reasons or to make room for other items, then the design flexibility and space utilization are improved, but the edge flange cannot be fully inserted into the pocket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepocket heightVSAvoidfull insertion of edge flange
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bent edge is segmented into three distinct sections: a compacted section with reduced height for insertion, a transition section, and a lip section with maximum height for weather-proofing. This segmentation allows the edge flange to be inserted into a low pocket while maintaining sufficient height for sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the bent edge are given different heights to serve different functions. The compacted section has reduced height for insertion into the pocket, while the lip section has maximum height for weather-proofing, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the edge flange is provided with a bent edge to ensure tight contact between cover members, then the weather-proofing is improved, but it becomes difficult to separate the cover members for recycling or repair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetight contact between cover membersVSAvoidseparation of cover members
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between cover members is made dynamic rather than permanent. The bent edge provides tight contact when installed, but the cover members can be separated by applying force to overcome the mechanical interference, allowing for repair and recycling while maintaining weather-proofing during service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pocket depth is increased to allow adjustment for different installation depths and distances, then the adaptability is improved, but the edge flange insertion becomes more difficult when pocket height is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment for different installation positionsVSAvoidedge flange insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bent edge is divided into sections with different heights, allowing the compacted section to be inserted into shallow pockets while the lip section maintains the necessary height for weather-proofing, enabling adaptability without compromising insertion ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the edge flange have different heights tailored to specific functions: the compacted section for insertion into pockets of various depths, and the lip section for maintaining weather-proofing, allowing adaptability to different installation situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4571010A1A cover assembly and a method for interconnecting cover members
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP4571010A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4571010A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4571010A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A cover assembly (100) for at least one roof penetrating structure (1), such as a roof window, is disclosed. It comprises a first cover member (10) comprising a pocket (106) extending along a pocket plane (P), and a second cover member (20) comprising an edge flange (202) extending in an edge flange plane (F) and having a bent edge (2051). The bent edge (2051) of the edge flange comprises a compacted section (2053) closest to the bend line and a lip section (2054) extending from the compacted section at an angle (A) to the flange plane, and the pocket height (PH) is larger than the edge flange height (EH) at the compacted section and smaller than the maximum edge flange height (EHL) at the lip section. A method for mounting cover members of a cover assembly is also disclosed.