Roof Window Hinge Arrangement with Controlled Kinetic Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pivot hinge arrangement for roof windows has a braking mechanism that is difficult to control and requires maintenance, such as lubrication, which is not desirable in all applications.

Innovation Solution

A hinge arrangement that incorporates a biasing device, such as a spring, and a transmission device like a rack-and-pinion coupling, to provide a controlled kinetic pattern for the movement of the sash relative to the frame, allowing for improved operability and positioning of the window sash.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pivot hinge with arc-shaped guidance and leaf spring braking is used, then the sash can be positioned in arbitrary open positions, but the braking action is difficult to control and requires maintenance such as lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking control reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based braking system (leaf spring pressing against arc-shaped guidance) with a cam mechanism that uses geometric shape variation to control the sash movement. The cam profile is designed to provide automatic braking at specific positions without requiring friction or lubrication, thereby eliminating maintenance needs while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the braking mechanism from friction-based force control to geometry-based position control. By varying the cam profile parameters (shape, curvature, position), the system achieves precise control over the sash movement and braking positions without relying on friction coefficients that require maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a simplified hinge connection with point of rotation is used, then the structure is simpler, but the movement control is less precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structure complexityVSAvoidmovement control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hinge rotation function with the movement control function into a single integrated cam mechanism. The cam is directly connected to the sash hinge part, combining the rotational movement with the controlled braking action in one component, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving precise movement control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary element between the simple hinge rotation and the required movement control. It translates the rotational motion into controlled linear motion of the sash, providing precise positioning without adding complex multi-component mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the operability of the hinge arrangement by providing a well-defined point of rotation and controlled movement, reducing the need for maintenance and improving the overall functionality of the roof window.

Implementation Method 1

the biasing device includes a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the transmission device comprises a rack slidably connected to the frame hinge part, to cooperate with a pinion connected to, preferably integral with, the sash hinge part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3842610B1A hinge arrangement of a roof window with improved operability
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3842610B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3842610B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3842610B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

In the hinge arrangement (4) mounted in a roof window having a frame and a sash carrying a pane (3), a hinge (5) of a set of hinges includes a frame hinge part (51) connected to one frame side member (11), and a sash hinge part (52) connected to one sash side member (21). The sash hinge part (52) is able to rotate relative to the frame hinge part (51) about a hinge axis (a). Guiding means providing guidance for the sash hinge part (52) relative to the frame hinge part (51), and motion modulating means configured to act on the hinge (5) to affect the movement of the sash hinge part (52) relative to the frame hinge part (51) are provided. The frame hinge part (51) and the sash hinge part (52) of the hinge (5) are connected to each other by a hinge pin (53) such that the hinge axis (α) extends through the frame hinge part (51) and the sash hinge part (52). The guiding means are provided at a distance from the hinge pin (53) and in connection with the motion modulating means. The motion modulating means comprise a biasing device (7) including a spring (71; 471), and the guiding device comprise a transmission device (6).