Elastic Roof Window Lining Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof window lining assembly methods are complicated and difficult due to limited assembly space, requiring additional screws or similar measures for connection.

Innovation Solution

A roof window lining assembly connector that uses an elastic element seated in a jamb groove to exert constant pressure on its walls, allowing for non-invasive assembly without additional screws, featuring a base with a ridge and stop face that tilts to fit snugly within the groove, and a coupling element to support lining plates with a catch-type connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-part fitting with screws is used to attach lining to roof window jamb, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and assembly space requirements exceed available space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional two-part fitting with screws and integrates it into a single elastic assembly connector. The connector's elastic arms provide inherent retention force through their deformation when pressed against the jamb groove walls, eliminating the need for separate screw fasteners and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic assembly connector performs self-fastening through its inherent elasticity. When the connector is inserted into the jamb groove, its arms are pressed against the groove walls, causing elastic deformation that generates retention force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional screws or complex assembly measures, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If additional screws or assembly measures are used to secure lining plates, then connection strength is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to limited assembly space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic arms of the assembly connector provide self-service fastening by automatically generating retention force through elastic deformation when pressed against the jamb groove walls. This eliminates the need for additional screws or assembly measures, making assembly easier in limited space while maintaining sufficient connection strength to secure lining plates reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a physical parameter change to generate retention force. The elastic arms deform when pressed against the jamb groove walls, converting mechanical compression into elastic potential energy that provides continuous retention force. This parameter-based approach ensures strong connection without requiring additional fastening components, simplifying assembly in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic connector arms are allowed to tilt freely, then adaptability to groove variations is improved, but connection stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to groove variationsVSAvoidconnector stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the elastic arms to tilt and deform in response to variations in the jamb groove geometry. This dynamic adaptability enables the connector to accommodate different groove sizes and shapes while maintaining contact. The stability is maintained through the continuous elastic force that keeps the arms pressed against the groove walls, providing a balance between adaptability and stable connection.

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

Enables quick and simple assembly of the lining around a roof window without additional attachment measures, with the connector's pressure holding it in place and allowing for initial support of lining plates before permanent attachment.

Implementation Method 1

The stop face features elastic properties and is constructed out of first arm (131) and second arm (132)... Once the assembly connector has been seated in the jamb groove, distance d1 is less than the distance before it was seated in the jamb groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4488468A1Roof window lining assembly connector, lining assembly unit and method for assembling lining around a roof window using the assembly unit
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O O
  • EP4488468A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488468A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488468A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the invention comprises roof window lining assembly connector (1), designed to be seated in jamb groove (20), and assembly connector (1) is an elastic element, which once seated in jamb groove (20) exerts constant pressure on its opposite walls, and assembly connector (1) is constructed out of base (11), with at least one ridge (12) and stop face (13), which is at an angle relative to base (11), so that stop face (13) features top edge (133), with the axis of rotation (0') of the stop face first arm (131) and second arm (132) passing through it, and the distance between the two stop face arms is d1 wherein d1>0.