Adjustable Roof Window Mounting Bracket for Universal Flashing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window mounting brackets are limited to specific types of flashing, leading to incorrect mounting and increased manufacturing and storage costs due to the need for multiple flashing types to accommodate different installation levels.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket design with a third leg portion that allows for adjustable positioning between the window and the roof structure, enabling correct mounting with various flashing types and providing a robust connection by incorporating grooves and flanges for secure engagement with frame members and auxiliary battens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mounting bracket is designed for a specific type of flashing, then correct mounting is achieved, but the device complexity and storage costs increase due to needing multiple bracket types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect mountingVSAvoidmultiple bracket types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with a third leg portion that can accommodate different types of flashings, making a single bracket design universal for multiple applications. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized bracket types while maintaining correct mounting for various flashing configurations

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the third leg portion is positioned to provide a gap for insulation, then adaptability improves, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation level adjustmentVSAvoidbracket robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The third leg portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second leg section, utilizing a different spatial dimension to create the gap for insulation materials. This dimensional approach allows adaptability for different installation levels and insulation requirements without compromising the structural strength of the main bracket body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2578765B1A window for installation in a roof structure and a mounting bracket for use with the window
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2578765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2578765B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The window (1) has a frame with a top member (2), a bottom member (3) and two side members (4, 5) mutually connected in corner joints (6). Mounting brackets (10) are provided for installing the window in the roof structure, each mounting bracket (10) having a first leg portion (11) a second leg portion (12). The window (1) is adapted for installation in at least two predefined installation levels in the roof structure in that one of two leg sections (11 a, 11 b) of the first leg portion (11) comprises a flange (30) which is essentially perpendicular to the leg section, that the top, bottom and side members (2, 3, 4, 5) each comprise substantially longitudinally extending grooves (7; 8a, 8b) defining said predefined installation levels, such that when said mounting bracket (10) is placed with said flange (30) in engagement with one of the grooves (7; 8a, 8b), the window (1) may be installed in the installation level corresponding to that groove (7; 8a, 8b).