Window Frame With Variable-Width Underfelt Collar
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of windows in roofs poses challenges due to the need for climate-proof transitions, accurate positioning, and handling various components, which can lead to installation difficulties and errors, especially when using traditional underfelt collars with fixed dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A window design featuring a two-part frame with an oversized interior side to accommodate insulation and transition assemblies, including an underfelt collar that adapts in width and can be folded or rolled for easier installation, combined with additional transition assemblies like insulation elements and flashing assemblies to ensure climate-proofing and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional underfelt collars with fixed dimensions are used, then the window frame can maintain constant outer dimensions, but the installation becomes difficult and error-prone when accommodating insulation and transition assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The underfelt collar is designed with variable width that changes along its length, being narrower at the frame attachment end and wider at the exterior end. This dynamic dimensional change allows the collar to adapt to different installation situations and accommodate insulation materials without requiring complex custom fabrication for each project.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: the underfelt collar with variable width, insulation elements, and flashing assemblies. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured to the frame, allowing for flexible installation that accommodates various roof configurations and insulation requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If the frame is made with larger outer dimensions at the interior side to accommodate insulation material, then the light admitting area is reduced, but traditional underfelt collars cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the insulation accommodation from the horizontal plane (frame width) to the vertical/depth dimension. By increasing the frame depth at the interior side and using a variable-width collar that extends in the depth direction, the insulation material can be accommodated without reducing the light admitting area of the frame opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation material is nested within the variable-width underfelt collar structure. The collar's varying width creates a nested configuration where insulation elements can be positioned within the collar's interior space, allowing insulation accommodation without increasing the external frame dimensions that would reduce light admission.
3Area of stationary object
If an oversized underfelt collar is used to accommodate larger frame dimensions, then the light admitting area is maintained, but the risk of incorrect mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underfelt collar is designed with non-uniform width distribution, being narrower at the frame attachment end and wider at the exterior end. This local variation in dimensions provides specific mounting features and reference points that guide correct positioning, reducing mounting errors while maintaining the ability to accommodate larger frame dimensions and insulation material.
4Ease of operation
If the underfelt collar is made in a folded or rolled-up state for supply, then it is easier to handle and install, but it requires unfolding or rolling out during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The underfelt collar is pre-folded or pre-rolled into a compact configuration for supply and storage. This preliminary action makes the collar easier to handle and transport. During installation, the collar is simply unfolded or unrolled to its full extended state, which is a straightforward process that does not require complex tools or procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a window (1) having a supply condition and a mounted condition in a roof construction, comprising a frame (3) adapted to cooperate with a set of transition assemblies in the mounted condition. The distance between the outer sides of two opposite frame members varies over the depth of the frame, so that an outer dimension of the frame is larger at a first level at the interior side of the frame than at a second level closer to the exterior side of the frame. A transition assembly to form a climate-proofing transition between the window and the roof construction comprises an underfelt collar (7) with a frame engagement section (71) and a roof structure engagement section (72). The frame engagement section is connected to the frame (3) at the second level in the supply condition and the width of the roof structure engagement section (72) in a direction parallel to the corresponding frame member increases gradually with the distance to the frame engagement section at least over a section of the roof structure engagement section.