Roof Window Hinge Assembly for Stepwise Installation and Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows, particularly those for conservation purposes, face challenges in installation ease, thermal efficiency, and environmental impact, while also needing to maintain a low profile and comply with building regulations, especially in flat roofing materials.
Innovation Solution
A roof window design featuring a hinge assembly with a coupling unit that allows selective coupling of the frame hinge part to top and side frame coupling plates, enabling independent handling of the frame and sash, and a secondary hinge pin for easy rotation and locking, facilitating installation, maintenance, and multiple operational positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roof window uses a traditional hinge connection between frame and sash, then the structure is simple, but the frame and sash cannot be handled independently during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate components: a hinge unit with frame hinge part and sash hinge part, and a coupling unit with coupling plates. This segmentation allows the frame and sash to be handled independently during installation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit acts as an intermediary between the frame hinge part and the coupling plates. It enables selective coupling to top and side frame coupling plates, facilitating independent handling of frame and sash without requiring complex direct connections.
2Shape
If the roof window is installed with a low profile for flat roofing materials, then the external appearance is improved, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly allows the sash to be rotated to various positions including fully open and intermediate positions. This dynamic capability provides easy access to the frame and sash for maintenance while maintaining a low profile when closed, as the sash can be opened vertically without requiring additional external space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the roof window uses selective coupling mechanism for multiple operational positions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed with universal functionality to couple the frame hinge part to either the top frame coupling plate or the side frame coupling plate. This multi-functionality enables multiple operational positions (vertical opening, horizontal opening, intermediate positions) without requiring separate mechanisms for each position, thus managing complexity while providing versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
In the roof window, the hinge assembly (9) comprises a coupling unit (95) connected to or connectable to the frame (2) and configured to be connected to the hinge unit (91) in the mounted condition of the roof window (1). In an installation condition of the roof window (1), the hinge unit (91) is connected to the sash (3) and the coupling unit (95) is connected to the frame (2).