Foldable Bracket Base Member for Roof Window Lining Panel Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation systems for roof windows face challenges in simplifying and flexibly manufacturing and installing lining panels, with prior solutions requiring specialized fittings and contributing to logistic complexities.

Innovation Solution

The proposed installation system uses bracket base members with predefined dimensions and folding lines, allowing for flexible configuration and use as multiple bracket parts, which can be easily bent or separated to fit various angles and shapes, reducing the number of parts needed and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If specialized fittings are used for mounting lining panels in roof windows, then the installation can be achieved, but the number of different parts increases and logistic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacture and installation of lining panelsVSAvoidnumber of different fittings
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket base member that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The bracket base member can be folded along different axes to create various bracket shapes (L-shaped, U-shaped, corner brackets) suitable for different installation positions (corners, sides, top, bottom of roof windows), eliminating the need for multiple specialized fittings while maintaining ease of manufacture and installation

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized fittings are provided for different positions, then specific installation requirements are met, but storage and supply complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different installation situationsVSAvoidnumber of parts to be stored and supplied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bracket base member into foldable sections separated by folding lines. This allows a single flat bracket base member to be segmented and folded into different configurations (corner brackets, side brackets, top/bottom brackets) depending on the installation requirements, providing adaptability while reducing the quantity of different parts needed for storage and supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If various shaped brackets are manufactured separately, then precise fitting is achieved, but manufacturing and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise fitting of bracketsVSAvoidmanufacturing and storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the bracket base members with integrated folding lines and connection elements in a flat, easy-to-manufacture state. The precise fitting is achieved through the pre-designed folding geometry and connection features that guide the folding process, allowing high precision brackets to be manufactured and stored efficiently in a compact flat form before installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3587694B1Installation system comprising a plurality of bracket members for installation of a lining panel in a roof window
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3587694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3587694B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3587694B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

With the invention, a bracket member is provided to facilitate the connection between a roof window and a lining panel. The bracket member is formed as a substantially plane bracket base member (10) with a width (W) and height (H) and has one or more sets of longitudinal weakened portions (31, 41) to provide a first longitudinal folding line (31B) and at least one set of transverse weakened portions (30) to provide a transverse folding line (30B) extending at right angles to the first longitudinal folding line (31B) and dividing the bracket base member (10) into at least two sections to form a first bracket part (101) and a second bracket part (102). The main portion (11A; 21A) of the respective section is formed on one side of the first longitudinal folding line (31B) and the border portion (12A, 22A) on the other side of the first longitudinal folding line (31B). A second set of longitudinal weakened portions (32, 42) to provide a second longitudinal folding line (32B) is formed substantially in parallel with and at a distance from the first longitudinal folding line (31B), and a flap portion (13A, 23A) is provided on the other side of the second longitudinal folding line (32B) relative to the main portion (11A, 21A).