Roof Window Distance Keeper for Compact Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stacking roof windows require substantial packaging material and result in large outer dimensions, making storage and transportation inefficient, especially when multiple windows are stacked, as they often rely on shock-absorbing materials or pre-mounted mounting brackets.
Innovation Solution
A distance keeper with an engagement section for one roof window frame and a support section for the next, allowing direct force transmission between frames, eliminating the need for pre-mounted brackets and reducing the stack's size, while also providing stability through a projecting part that inserts into a groove of the second window frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocks of shock absorbing material or sheets of plastic/paper/cardboard are arranged between roof windows, then protection of sensitive parts is improved, but the total outer dimensions of the stack become considerably larger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective function from bulky shock-absorbing blocks and thin sheets, and concentrates it into a compact distance keeper structure that integrates protection and spacing functions in a minimal-volume component
Solution Approach 2:
The distance keeper merges multiple functions (protection, spacing, and structural support) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate protective materials and reducing overall stack dimensions
2Force
If mounting brackets are attached already at the site of manufacture to carry stacked roof windows, then carrying capacity is improved, but the total outer dimensions of the stack become considerably larger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the carrying function from pre-mounted brackets and transfers it to the distance keeper components that are attached only to the lowermost window, eliminating unnecessary brackets on upper windows and reducing overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The distance keeper acts as an intermediary element that transfers load between windows, replacing the need for brackets on each window and enabling compact stacking while maintaining carrying capacity
3Stability of the object's composition
If battens, corner blocks and/or like distance keepers are arranged along the outer sides of the roof window frames, then stability of the stack is improved, but the total outer dimensions of the stack become considerably larger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilization function from extensive batten and corner block arrangements and concentrates it into compact distance keepers with projecting parts that engage grooves, providing stability with minimal dimensional increase
Data Source
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AI summary
A distance keeper (3, 3', 3") for use when stacking roof windows (2, 2', 2", 2‴) having an engagement section (31) configured for engaging a frame of a first roof window and a support section (32) configured for supporting a frame (21) of second roof window (2, 2") stacked on top of the first roof window (2, 2'). The support section comprises a projecting part, which is configured for insertion in a groove (23) of the second window frame. For stacking roof windows the following steps are performed: providing a first roof window; arranging a plurality of distance keepers on the frame of the first roof window by bringing the engagement section (31) into engagement with the frame and so that the support section is located vertically above said frame; and arranging a second roof window such that it is supported by the support sections (32) and so that the projecting parts project into a groove (23) of the second roof window.