Insulating Frame Guide Members for Roof Window Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Installing a roof window in an inclined roof structure is challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions, leading to improper assembly of insulating frames and associated components, which affects insulation performance and installation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An insulating frame with bendable guide members and frame connector brackets allows for partial assembly during packaging, facilitating compact storage and transport, and easy on-site assembly by bending sections to achieve correct engagement and reduce thermal bridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If insulating frame members are packaged completely assembled, then assembly time is minimized, but packaging volume increases and transport efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidpackaging volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating frame is divided into separate members (top, bottom, side members) that can be packaged individually in a compact arrangement. These segmented members are then quickly assembled on-site using the guide member system, reducing packaging volume while maintaining fast assembly through pre-prepared connection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connector brackets are pre-attached to insulating frame members during manufacturing, and guide members are pre-positioned to indicate correct assembly orientation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly without requiring complete pre-assembly, optimizing both packaging efficiency and installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of moving object

If insulating frame members are packaged in parallel arrangement, then packaging compactness improves, but assembly complexity increases due to positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging compactnessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Guide members act as intermediary elements that simplify the assembly process despite the compact parallel packaging arrangement. These guide members provide physical guidance and alignment features that automatically position connector brackets and insulating frame members correctly during assembly, reducing the perceived complexity for the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Visual indicators (such as color-coded markings or contrasting colors) are applied to guide members and connector brackets to indicate correct assembly orientation and matching pairs. This visual guidance system simplifies the assembly process by making it intuitive, allowing workers to quickly identify correct connections without complex instructions despite the compact packaging arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Manufacturing precision

If guide members are made rigid for structural stability, then engagement precision improves, but adaptability to assembly variations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement precisionVSAvoidadaptability to assembly variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member system incorporates both rigid and flexible elements. The main body of the guide member provides rigid structural support for precise positioning, while specific portions (such as bending sections or resilient parts) provide flexibility to accommodate minor assembly variations and tolerances. This dynamic design maintains engagement precision while adapting to real-world assembly conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide members are designed with varying degrees of rigidity along their length, with different sections having different stiffness parameters. This allows the guide member to maintain precise positioning where needed while providing flexibility in areas that require adaptation to assembly variations, optimizing both precision and adaptability through parameter differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3683376B1Insulating frame and method for making an insulating frame
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3683376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683376B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3683376B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An insulating frame for a roof window mounted in an inclined roof structure of a building, comprising top, bottom and side frame members is disclosed. Each frame member includes an insulating member and a support member, and a plurality of frame connector brackets, where a first leg of at least one frame connector bracket, which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the outer side of an insulating frame member, or a guide member attached thereto comprises a bending section, which is bendable by essentially 90 degrees by hand during installation, as well as a method for making the insulating frame. A method for making an insulating frame is also disclosed.