Roof Window Hinge Reinforcement Plate for Burglary Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roof windows have poor resistance to burglary, as the sash can be easily forced open by breaking or pulling off the hinge, especially in designs with a horizontally-rotating or pivot sash where the axis of rotation is located in a frame section projecting from the roofing surface, leading to inadequate protection against forced entry.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced hinge system featuring a reinforcement plate anchored to the frame below the window installation plane using anchor bolts or screws, with additional reinforcement from metal sheet brackets, providing a secure connection that prevents the hinge from being forced open by enhancing mechanical strength and anti-lift protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hinge is mounted on the frame using conventional fastening methods, then the installation is simple and quick, but the hinge can be easily forced open by breaking or pulling it off the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge fastening system transitions from a single-plane surface mounting to a multi-dimensional embedded structure. The reinforcement plate extends into the frame depth (perpendicular dimension), and fastening elements penetrate through multiple layers (vertical dimension), creating a three-dimensional anchoring system that resists forced entry from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: metal reinforcement plates provide structural strength, wooden frame components provide integration with the building structure, and specialized fastening elements provide secure anchoring. This composite construction creates a hinge system that leverages the advantages of each material to achieve high burglary resistance.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge is located in the frame section projecting from the roofing surface, then the sash rotation is facilitated, but the hinge becomes more accessible and easier to force open
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate and embedded fastening elements are installed in advance during manufacturing, creating pre-existing structural resistance against potential forced entry. This preliminary strengthening measures counteracts the vulnerability created by the accessible hinge location before any burglary attempt occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge reinforcement structure employs a nested configuration where the reinforcement plate is embedded within the frame, and fastening elements are nested within the reinforcement plate and frame structure. This nested arrangement creates layered protection that maintains operational accessibility while defending against forced entry.
3Strength
If the hinge fastening is reinforced with embedded plates and multiple fastening elements, then the burglary resistance is improved, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate and fastening elements are pre-assembled and pre-positioned during the hinge manufacturing process rather than being installed separately on-site. This preliminary action during manufacturing simplifies the final installation process and ensures proper alignment and integration of the complex reinforcement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate, fastening elements, and hinge mounting structure are merged into an integrated assembly during manufacturing. This combining of multiple components into a unified pre-assembled unit reduces the number of separate installation steps and simplifies both manufacturing and installation processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a window, in particular a roof window, equipped with a reinforced-structure hinge which hinders the sash being forced open out of the frame, having a reinforcement element comprised by a reinforcement plate (7) located on the external side surface of the frame and fastened to the frame in the hollow area below the window installation plane (9).