Roof Window Sash Corner Assembly for Precise Alignment and Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner fittings for roof window sashes, particularly those made from profiles, face issues with improper alignment and joining, leading to susceptibility to deterioration and water penetration.

Innovation Solution

A corner assembly aid comprising a backbone with support sections forming a corner fitting support surface and connector arms that guide and secure sash members into precise alignment, along with features like insertion stops and water drainage paths to facilitate easy and secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional corner fittings are used for profile sash members, then the joining process is simplified, but the alignment precision and joining reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining processVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The corner assembly aid is provided in advance with connector arms positioned at precise angles and lengths. These connector arms are pre-configured to match the required sash member angles, eliminating the need for on-site measurement and adjustment, thereby ensuring precise alignment while simplifying the joining process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The corner assembly aid acts as an intermediary tool between the corner fitting and sash members. It includes connector arms that interface with both the corner fitting and sash members, providing a mediating mechanism that ensures precise alignment during the joining process without requiring complex direct fitting procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If corner fittings are used to reinforce sash corner joints, then the structural strength is improved, but the susceptibility to water penetration and deterioration worsens due to improper joining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresistance to water penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corner assembly aid includes alignment features and positioning mechanisms that are prepared in advance to ensure proper orientation and fit of the corner fitting. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the corner fitting is installed, it creates a tight, proper seal that prevents water penetration while maintaining structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces reliance on worker skill and complex mechanical adjustment with a standardized corner assembly aid that incorporates built-in alignment and positioning features. This substitution ensures consistent, proper joining that maintains both structural integrity and weather resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If hollow closed profiles are used for sash members, then the corner fitting can engage opposite inner sides for strong joining, but the space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining strengthVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The corner assembly aid is divided into separate functional components: connector arms for engagement with sash members, positioning features for alignment, and support structures for stability. This segmentation allows the aid to be compact and efficient in space while providing all necessary functions for strong joining of hollow closed profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4575171A1A corner assembly aid for a sash of a roof window, a roof window, and a method for assembly of a sash for a roof window
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP4575171A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4575171A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4575171A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A corner assembly aid for a sash of a roof window is disclosed. It comprises a backbone defining a longitudinal axis of the corner assembly aid and a corner fitting support having a first support section and a second support section. Each of the first support section and the second support section protrudes from the backbone, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first support section and the second support section together form a corner fitting support surface. In a roof window the backbone of the corner assembly aid is arranged between a first sash member and a second sash member with the first support section and the second support section extending along the two sash members, and a corner fitting resting on the corner fitting support surface is connected to the first sash member and to the second sash member.