Roof Window Movable Frame Segmentation for Manual Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of heavy roof windows with complex designs poses challenges due to increased weight and size, leading to difficult manual handling and elevated installation costs, as existing solutions either require multiple personnel or specialized tools, which can increase costs and installation time.

Innovation Solution

A roof window design featuring a movable frame connected to a fixation frame via a hinge arrangement, with a division bar arrangement allowing for separate installation of multiple insulated glass units, reducing the overall weight and enabling single-person installation by dividing the glass unit mass and providing a mechanical holding system for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the roof window design includes improved heat insulation performance, safety impact test compliance, burglary resistance, and increased daylight influx, then the market demands and regulations are met, but the roof window weight increases to more than 35 kg

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat insulation performance and safety complianceVSAvoidroof window weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roof window is divided into a fixation frame and a movable frame that can be separated. The movable frame with insulated glass units weighs less than 35 kg and can be manually installed, while the heavier fixation frame remains fixed in the roof structure. This segmentation allows the window to meet safety and insulation requirements while enabling practical manual installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If more installation personnel are assigned to lift the heavy roof window, then the installation can be completed, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation feasibilityVSAvoidnumber of installation personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the movable frame from the fixation frame, the installation process can be performed by a single person using manual lifting for the lighter movable frame component, eliminating the need for multiple personnel or expensive specialized lifting equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a specialized lifting tool is provided for roof window installation, then manual lifting issues are reduced, but the installation time increases due to tool arrangement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual handling easeVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The design eliminates the need for specialized lifting tools by segmenting the window into a fixed frame and a movable frame that can be manually positioned. This reduces installation time by removing tool setup and arrangement steps while still addressing manual handling concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If the roof window is designed as a single large insulated glass unit, then the window provides adequate coverage, but the weight exceeds 35 kg making manual installation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow coverage areaVSAvoidinsulated glass unit weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The large window area is achieved by installing multiple smaller insulated glass units within the movable frame rather than using one large unit. Each individual glass unit weighs less than 35 kg and can be manually handled, while collectively they provide the required large coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple insulated glass units are nested within the movable frame structure, allowing each unit to be independently installed and positioned. This nesting approach enables comprehensive window coverage while maintaining manageable weights for individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4141189B1Roof window comprising removable insulated glass units arranged in a common movable frame
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP4141189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4141189B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4141189B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a roof window (1) for installation in a roof structure (100) of a building. The roof window (1) comprises a fixation frame (10) and a movable frame (20) which is movably connected to the fixation frame (10) by means of a hinge arrangement. the movable frame comprises structural elongated profiles comprising an elongated top profile (21a), an elongated bottom profile (21b) and parallel, elongated side profiles (21c, 21d). The movable frame (20) supports at least a first insulated glass unit (2) and a second insulated glass unit (3). The roof window comprises at least one division bar arrangement (30, 230) wherein said division bar arrangement (30, 230) is arranged between and separates a first frame opening (4a, 4b, 4c) and a second frame opening (4a, 4b, 4c) of the movable frame (20), wherein the first insulated glass unit (2) is arranged to cover the first frame opening, and wherein the second insulated glass unit (3) is arranged to cover the second frame opening. The first insulated glass unit (2) and the second insulated glass unit (3) are arranged side by side in a common glass unit plane (PL1). A releasable, mechanical holding system (40, 50, 60) is arranged to secure the first and second insulated glass units (2, 3) at the movable frame (20). Moreover the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a roof window (1) in a roof structure (100) of a building.