Roof Window Support Beams Eliminate Gap Trimmers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of roof window systems on inclined roof surfaces is complex and time-consuming due to the need for gap trimmers between window units, which complicates the process for both experienced and inexperienced installers.

Innovation Solution

A roof window system with a support assembly comprising horizontally mounted support beams that connect the top and bottom members of each window unit, eliminating the need for gap trimmers and simplifying the installation process by using mounting brackets that can be easily fastened to the roof structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If gap trimmers are used between window units to ensure structural support, then the strength and stability of the roof window arrangement is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural support strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gap trimmer function with the support beam structure by integrating horizontal support beams that span across multiple window units. This merging eliminates the need for separate gap trimmers between adjacent windows, as the continuous support beam provides structural support for multiple units simultaneously, reducing overall component count and installation complexity while maintaining strength requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support beams are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for window units, act as mounting surfaces for multiple windows, and eliminate the need for separate gap trimmers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different component types needed in the system, simplifying both the device complexity and installation process

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

2Strength

If gap trimmers are installed between window units, then sufficient strength and support are provided, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support beams are pre-installed on the roof structure before the window units are mounted. This preliminary action creates ready-to-use mounting surfaces with pre-positioned fixing points, allowing window units to be quickly attached without the need to install separate gap trimmers between each window, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple support beams are used to support window units, then structural stability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and view obstruction worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple support functions into continuous horizontal support beams that span across the roof structure. These beams are positioned strategically to provide structural stability while minimizing visual obstruction. The integration of support functions into fewer, more strategically placed elements reduces the number of visible vertical components compared to traditional gap trimmer configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4023834B1A roof window system with a mounting assembly and method of installing such a roof window system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP4023834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4023834B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4023834B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A roof window system with a mounting assembly and method of installing such a roof window system. The roof window system (1) comprising two window units (11, 12) is configured to be built in side by side in a roof structure (2) of a roof, in particular comprising an inclined roof surface, a support assembly (3) configured to be fastened to the roof structure (2) and to which the window units (11, 12) are to be connected. The support assembly (3) comprises a set of support beams (31, 32) to be mounted horizontally, and a set of mounting brackets (4).