Insulating Frame with Adjustable Roof Connector Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Installing a roof window in an inclined roof structure is challenging, especially in windy or snowy conditions, leading to potential misalignment of insulating frames and increased material consumption, which affects the insulating properties and performance.

Innovation Solution

An insulating frame with adjustable roof connector brackets that can be attached at multiple positions along an attachment section, allowing for versatile fitting to different roof structures with minimal material usage, improving handling, transportation, and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flanges on support members are used for connecting the insulating frame to the roof structure extending over substantially the entire length of the insulating frame members, then the insulating frame can be easily connected to virtually any roof structure, but the material consumption is relatively high and support members made from metal might form thermal bridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connection to roof structureVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are divided into modular components: insulating frame members with integrated attachment sections and separate roof connector brackets. This segmentation allows the connection function to be localized to specific attachment points rather than requiring full-length flanges, reducing material consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment sections on the insulating frame members are designed with universal compatibility to work with various roof structure types. The roof connector brackets serve multiple functions: connecting to the attachment section, providing structural support, and enabling adjustment to different positions, thereby achieving versatility without requiring extensive material usage.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If flanges on support members are used for connecting the insulating frame to the roof structure extending over substantially the entire length of the insulating frame members, then the insulating frame can be easily connected to virtually any roof structure, but support members made from metal might form thermal bridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connection to roof structureVSAvoidthermal bridges
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connection function into discrete roof connector brackets attached at specific points rather than continuous flanges, the insulating frame members can be made from thermally insulating materials without metal thermal bridges, while still achieving versatile connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating frame members are constructed from composite materials that combine structural support with thermal insulation properties, eliminating the thermal bridge effect while maintaining the structural integrity needed for versatile connection to different roof structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the insulating frame is assembled in-situ with separate roof connector brackets, then handling and transportation are improved, but the installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling and transportationVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating frame is divided into separate components (frame members with attachment sections and discrete roof connector brackets) that can be easily handled and transported separately, then assembled on-site. This segmentation reduces handling complexity while the standardized attachment sections simplify the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roof connector brackets are designed with adjustable positioning capability, allowing them to be moved along the attachment sections during installation. This dynamic adjustment feature simplifies the installation process by enabling adaptability to different roof structures without requiring complex pre-positioning or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3683377B1Insulating frame and method for installing the same
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3683377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683377B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3683377B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An insulating frame for a roof window mounted in an inclined roof structure of a building, comprising a set of roof connector brackets adapted for connecting the insulating frame to the roof structure is disclosed. Each of the roof connector brackets comprises a first connecting section and a second connecting section. The first connecting section is adapted for connecting to an attachment section of the insulating frame. The second connecting section is adapted for connecting to the roof structure and extends away from the inner opening of the insulating frame and beyond the outer side of the frame member to which the roof connector bracket is attached. The attachment section(s) allow attachment of each roof connector bracket at several different positions depending on the design of the roof structure. A method for installing an insulating frame in a roof structure is also disclosed.