Modular Roof Window Weatherproofing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing weatherproofing systems for groups of roof windows result in material wastage and inefficiencies, particularly when mounting larger or more complex configurations, leading to scrapping of flawless components and increased storage needs due to the requirement for multiple standard flashing assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A weatherproofing assembly that uses a combination of standard and reduced-material underroof collars and flashing members, allowing for adaptable configurations by incorporating a second set of flashing members and underroof collars with reduced material, which can be reused and stocked separately, reducing the need for specialized products and storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple standard flashing assemblies are kept on stock for different roof window configurations, then weatherproofing quality is maintained, but storage requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized flashing assembly that can be used across multiple roof window configurations. Instead of maintaining separate standard flashing assemblies for single windows, pairs of windows, and complex configurations, the invention creates one universal flashing assembly that adapts to different scenarios through selective installation and combination with underroof collars of varying sizes.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized flashing assemblies are manufactured for specific roof window configurations, then weatherproofing precision is improved, but device complexity and storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the weatherproofing system into modular components: a standardized flashing assembly and separately sized underroof collars. This segmentation allows the flashing assembly to remain simple and uniform while the underroof collars provide the necessary variation to fit different configurations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the underroof collars variable in size to match specific installation requirements, while keeping the flashing assembly standardized. The local adaptation is achieved through the underroof collar rather than the flashing assembly itself, allowing precise fitting to different roof window configurations without complicating the flashing assembly design.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard underroof collars are used for all roof windows, then ease of manufacture is improved, but material wastage increases due to excess material that must be cut or scrapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the size parameters of the underroof collars based on the specific installation requirements. Instead of using a single standard size for all collars, the invention produces underroof collars in different sizes to match the actual dimensions needed for different roof window configurations, thereby eliminating the need to cut or scrap excess material while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes.
4Ease of operation
If excess underroof collar material is provided to reach over laths, then ease of operation during installation is improved, but material wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the dimensions of the underroof collar to precisely match the installation requirements. The collar is manufactured with the exact size needed to reach over the laths for that specific configuration, eliminating excess material that would otherwise need to be cut or scrapped, while maintaining ease of installation through appropriately sized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A weatherproofing assembly for use with a group of roof windows comprising at least two roof windows mounted adjacent to each other in a sloped roof structure (4) is disclosed. It comprises a first underroof collar (1, 1a), a second underroof collar (1, 1b), and a flashing assembly (5). The flashing assembly comprises a first set of flashing members including one top flashing member (51), one bottom flashing member (52), and two side flashing members (53, 54) corresponding to those used in the installation of a single roof window, and a second set of flashing members including one middle gutter flashing member (15, 19) and a sub-set of two other flashing members, said sub-set being chosen from the group comprising an over-under sub-set including one top flashing member (51) and one bottom flashing member (52) and a sides sub-set including two side flashing members (53, 54). At least one collar member (11, 12, 13, 14) of the second underroof collar comprises a reduced amount of collar material compared to the corresponding collar member of the first underroof collar.