Window Hinge Mounting Arrangement for Single-Person Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pivot hinges for windows rely on frictional forces and are challenging to install, especially for roof windows, as they require precise positioning and can be difficult for one person to mount and dismount without causing damage or straining the installer.

Innovation Solution

A hinge with a mounting arrangement featuring a set of coupling means, including a bolt and spring-biased latch element, which allows for a releasable connection between the hinge components and mounting plates, enabling installation without transverse movements and allowing for secure engagement without additional tools or fastening elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pivot hinges are used with frictional forces, then the hinge can maintain position, but the installation becomes difficult and requires multiple people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into separate components: a frame hinge part with base plate, a sash hinge part with base plate, and a linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and assembled, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining structural integrity and position maintenance capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting arrangement with mounting plates is introduced as an intermediary element between the frame and the hinge components. The mounting plates provide reference surfaces and attachment points that facilitate precise positioning and simplify the installation process, allowing single-person installation while maintaining reliable position maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge components are connected via linkage mechanism, then the pattern of movement is achieved, but the mounting becomes challenging with limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement patternVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plates are pre-installed on the frame members before the hinge components are attached. This preliminary action establishes fixed reference surfaces and attachment points, simplifying the subsequent mounting of the linkage mechanism and base plates within the limited space between frame and sash

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arrangement utilizes the depth dimension by extending mounting plates from the frame surface into the available gap space. This dimensional approach allows the linkage mechanism to be mounted without requiring excessive transverse space, accommodating the limited installation envelope while maintaining the required movement pattern

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If additional fastening elements are used for secure connection, then the connection reliability improves, but the risk of damaging window material increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Mounting plates are pre-installed on the frame members using fastening elements before the hinge components are attached. This preliminary action concentrates the fastening operations in a controlled stage, allowing secure connection while protecting the window material (sash and frame) from damage during the main hinge installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plates serve as intermediary elements that bear the fastening loads, preventing direct attachment of fastening elements to the window material. This intermediary approach ensures reliable connections while eliminating the risk of damaging the sash or frame during installation and removal operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates easy and secure installation of window hinges by one person, reducing the risk of damage and strain, while ensuring a reliable connection that can be repeatedly disconnected without penetrating the window material, making it suitable for challenging installation positions like roof windows.

Implementation Method 1

the spring biased latch element includes a tongue portion acting as a handle for release of the releasable connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3619387B1A hinge for a window, a window including a set of such hinges, and a method of installing such a window
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3619387B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3619387B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3619387B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In order to assist in mounting the hinge (210) on a window, the hinge comprises a mounting arrangement (250) including two mounting plates (251, 252) to be arranged on the frame of the window. The mounting arrangement includes at least one set of coupling means (253, 254) configured to engage with corresponding coupling means (263, 264) of the remaining components of the set of components of the hinge (210). The coupling means of the mounting arrangement (250) comprise at least one reception member (253, 254) provided on a respective mounting plate (251, 252) to engage with a respective engagement member (263, 264) of the coupling means of the remaining components by movement of the remaining components of the hinge substantially in parallel with said hinge plane to provide a releasable connection between the remaining components of the hinge (210) and the mounting plates (251, 252).