Roof Window Side Rail Hinge Connection for Easier Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal roof window screening arrangements are challenging to install, especially in inclined positions, requiring manual handling and assembly skills due to the complex interaction of components.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of connection arms with hinge connections and snap-lock mechanisms allows side rails to be temporarily retained and easily rotated into place, facilitating installation by allowing side rails to hang free during assembly, and providing a secure locking mechanism to ensure proper alignment and attachment to the frame structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side rails are directly fixed to the frame structure, then the mounting is stable, but the installation process becomes complex and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arm is designed as a movable component that transitions from an angled assembly position to a parallel mounted position. This dynamic adjustment allows the side rail to be temporarily retained at an angle during installation, then rotated into the final parallel position for secure mounting, resolving the contradiction between mounting stability and installation ease
Solution Approach 2:
The connection arm acts as an intermediary element between the side rail and the top element. It provides a hinge connection that allows temporary retention at an angle, facilitating easier installation while maintaining secure final mounting when the side rail is rotated to the parallel position
2Ease of operation
If side rails are temporarily retained during assembly, then the installation is easier and more flexible, but the connection stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arm transitions from a movable state during assembly (allowing angled temporary retention) to a fixed state during operation (maintaining parallel alignment). This dynamic-to-static transition ensures installation flexibility while guaranteeing connection stability in the final mounted condition
Solution Approach 2:
The connection arm is designed to preliminarily retain the side rail at an angled position during assembly, allowing easy installation. Once installed, the side rail is rotated to the parallel position where it is securely held, converting the preliminary temporary retention into a stable final connection
3Productivity
If multiple components are handled simultaneously during mounting, then the assembly is completed in one step, but the manual handling requirement increases installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into distinct steps: first connecting the side rail to the connection arm at an angle, then rotating to the parallel position, and finally securing to the frame. This segmentation allows each step to be completed independently with simpler handling requirements, reducing the need for complex simultaneous multi-component manipulation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
In the internal roof window screening arrangement (10), a set of connection arms (7) is provided, each connection arm (7) comprising a first end connected to or connectable to the top element (11) and adapted to be connected to the respective side rail (12, 13) at a second end such that a hinge connection is formed between the top element (11) and each side rail (12, 13). Each side rail (12, 13) and at least a part of the respective connection arm (7) when connected to the top element (11) are configured to assume a first position at an angle (α) relative to a plane (P) of a front cover (11.1) of the top element (11) corresponding to an assembly condition and a second position in which the side rail (12, 13) is parallel to the plane (P) corresponding to the mounted condition, the side rails (12, 13) being allowed to hang free substantially vertically in the assembly condition, and each side rail (12, 13) being configured to be fixed to the frame structure (2) in the second position to obtain the mounted condition in which each side rail (11, 12) extends along a side member (2.2, 2.3) of frame structure (2).