Modular Chimney Enclosure Frame with Adjustable Skirt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for encasing cuboid penetrations, such as chimneys, through a roof surface are costly and require significant craftsmanship due to the need for custom-cut and formed metal sheets, and fail to accommodate varying chimney lengths and roof pitches effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame system comprising two interlocking frame parts with guide profiles and adjustable skirt parts, made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum or zinc, allowing for easy length adjustment and adaptation to different roof angles through sliding and riveting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-cut and formed metal sheets are used to create enclosures around chimneys, then the enclosure can be tailored to fit specific chimney dimensions and roof pitches, but the manufacturing complexity and craftsmanship requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple standardized frame parts that can be assembled together. Each frame part has a standardized base plate and vertical sides, but can be combined in different quantities and configurations to accommodate various chimney heights and roof pitches, eliminating the need for custom cutting and forming for each installation
Solution Approach 2:
The frame parts are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions. The same standardized frame parts can be used for different chimney sizes and roof angles by simply varying the number of parts assembled, making the system adaptable to various applications without requiring custom manufacturing
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized frame parts are used to enclose chimneys, then the ease of manufacture and assembly improve, but the ability to accommodate varying chimney lengths and roof pitches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different chimney dimensions and roof pitches. The standardized frame parts can be assembled in variable configurations, and the cover plate can be positioned at different angles to match various roof pitches, enabling the same standardized components to adapt to diverse installation conditions
3Reliability
If metal sheets are cut, formed, and joined using traditional methods, then the enclosure can provide a tight seal around the chimney, but the installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame parts are pre-manufactured with integrated sealing features and pre-formed geometries that ensure proper fit and sealing. The vertical sides are pre-formed to the correct angles, and the cover plate is designed to overlap with the vertical sides in a predetermined manner, eliminating the need for on-site cutting, forming, and complex joining operations while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into the standardized frame parts. Each frame part integrates the base plate, vertical sides, and sealing features into a single pre-manufactured unit, reducing the number of separate operations required during installation and simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable sealing
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A frame (1) for enclosing a cuboid penetration, in particular a chimney, comprises a first and a second frame part (2, 3), wherein the first frame part (2) has first guide profiles (6) on mutually parallel opposite edges (4) of a first cover plate (5) and the second frame part (3) has second guide profiles (9) on mutually parallel opposite edges (7) of a second cover plate (8), wherein the first and the second frame part (2, 3) each have lateral wall parts (11, ) projecting from the first and second cover plates (5, 8) along the first and second guide profiles (6, 9).12) and wherein a movable front wall (13) projects from the first cover plate (5) on the first edging part (2) between the side wall parts (11) and a rear wall (17) projecting from the second cover plate (8) on the second edging part (3) between the side wall parts (12) is detachably connected to the side wall parts (12).