Roof Window Stacking Kit with Shock-Absorbing Sheet and Retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stacking roof windows are inefficient, as they require substantial packaging material and result in increased load on lower windows, making it impractical to stack multiple windows safely and minimally.
Innovation Solution
A stack of roof windows using a sheet member made from a shock-absorbing material with retainers, where the sheet member has an upper and lower surface, and the retainers have attachment and engagement sections to securely position the roof windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roof windows are stacked horizontally with shock absorbing blocks between them, then the windows are protected from damage, but the load on the lowermost window becomes too high when stacking many windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mounting brackets as intermediary elements between the roof windows and the shock absorbing blocks. These brackets transfer the load from the stacked windows to the blocks, distributing the force and preventing excessive concentration on the lowermost window pane while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support structure by introducing mounting brackets that attach to the window frames rather than allowing direct contact between windows and blocks. This segmentation creates multiple load transfer points and distributes the stacking load across multiple attachment points on the lower window.
2Productivity
If mounting brackets are attached at the site of manufacture and battens are arranged along outer sides to support stacked windows, then the windows can be stacked, but the total outer dimensions of the stack become considerably larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function into the existing mounting brackets that are already attached to the window frames at manufacturing. By utilizing these pre-existing brackets as the primary support elements, the design eliminates the need for additional external battens or distance keepers, thereby reducing the overall stack dimensions while maintaining stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the support function from separate external components (battens, corner blocks) and integrates it into the mounting brackets that are already part of the window assembly. This extraction of the support function to the window's own components reduces the additional space required for stacking.
3Reliability
If substantial packaging material is used to ensure proper protection and stability, then the roof windows are protected during storage and transportation, but the material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the roof windows to support themselves in the stack through their own mounting brackets and frame structures. The windows' inherent structural elements serve the dual purpose of installation attachment and stacking support, eliminating the need for substantial additional packaging material while maintaining protection and stability during storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve multiple functions: they attach the windows to the roof structure during installation, provide attachment points for shock absorbing blocks during stacking, and enable the windows to support each other in vertical stacks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated packaging materials.
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
This method allows for safe stacking of multiple roof windows with minimal material consumption, distributing the load effectively and preventing damage to the windows during storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet member made from a shock-absorbing material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A packaging kit for use in stacking roof windows. The kit comprises at least one sheet member and a plurality of retainers. The sheet member is made from a shock absorbing material and may comprise a plurality of openings. Each retainer comprises an attachment section and an engagement section, said attachment section being configured for being attached at an upper surface of the sheet member, for example being inserted in one of said openings, and said engagement section being configured for engagement with a roof window arranged on top of the sheet member. In use, the sheet member is arranged on top of a first roof window, at least two retainers are attached to the sheet member, and a second roof window is then arranged on top of the sheet member so that it comes into engagement with the retainers.