Roof Window Base Frame Modules with Integrated Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of roof windows with multiple openable modules is complex and time-consuming, requiring precise alignment and sealing between modules, which demands specialized knowledge and increases costs due to the need for separate drainage channels and seals.

Innovation Solution

A window frame system with base frame modules featuring integrated drainage channels and sealing elements, where connecting legs with gutter sections and receiving sections form a continuous drain gutter, simplifying assembly and enhancing sealing reliability by eliminating the need for separate drainage channels and seals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate drainage channels and seals are installed between base frame modules, then water drainage and sealing functions are provided, but assembly complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainage and sealingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate drainage channels and seals into an integrated gutter structure that is formed as part of the connecting legs during extrusion. The gutter receiving section and gutter forming section are merged into a single continuous structure that provides both drainage and sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting legs serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable module connection, and form integrated gutters for water drainage and sealing. The gutter structure performs both drainage (channeling water away) and sealing (preventing water penetration) functions simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components needed.

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

2Reliability

If specialized sealing work with high expertise is performed, then sealing reliability between modules is improved, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the connecting legs during the extrusion process. The sealing and drainage functions are built into the structure before installation, eliminating the need for on-site sealing work that requires specialized expertise and time. The modules are designed to connect with pre-formed gutters that automatically provide sealing when properly aligned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated gutter structure provides self-sealing functionality through its design. When connecting legs are joined, the gutter receiving section and gutter forming section automatically align and connect, creating a continuous sealed drainage path without requiring additional sealing materials or specialized sealing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple sequential steps are performed for alignment and installation, then proper positioning of window modules is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gutter structure provides a continuous reference level that guides alignment of connecting legs. The integrated design ensures that when gutters connect, the connecting legs are automatically positioned at the correct height and orientation, eliminating the need for multiple sequential alignment steps and improving installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP4446512A1Window frame system for roof windows, base frame module and method for connecting base frame modules
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 LAMILUX HEINRICH STRUNZ
  • EP4446512A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4446512A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4446512A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a window frame system for roof windows, comprising: a first base frame module and a second base frame module configured to be mounted side by side on a roof structure, wherein a frame leg of the first base frame module is designed as a first connecting leg and a frame leg of the second base frame module is designed as a second connecting leg, wherein the first base frame module and the second base frame module can be connected to each other via the first connecting leg and the second connecting leg, wherein the second connecting leg has a drainage channel formation section, and the first connecting leg has a drainage channel receiving section.wherein, in the connected state of the first base frame module and the second base frame module, the drainage channel formation section extends from the second connecting leg to the first connecting leg and is received with its distal end region by the drainage channel receiving section, so that a drainage channel is formed along the connected connecting legs, which prevents water from penetrating from above the drainage channel into a space between the connecting legs below the drainage channel.