External IR-Reflecting Film Window Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat protection devices for building windows, such as double glazing, suffer from low mechanical stability and affect the visual appearance of rooms, while also failing to adequately reduce heat loss without obstructing views or ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A heat protection device comprising two surface elements arranged outside the building window, with at least one being partially reflective in the infrared range, allowing independent operation and placement to form air gaps for reduced convection and radiant heat loss, while maintaining transparency for minimal visual impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thin transparent material layers are used for heat insulation, then heat loss through the window is reduced, but mechanical stability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin transparent material layers (75 μm) as surface elements that are flexible yet effective for heat insulation. These thin films are mounted on the outside of the window and can be operated independently to provide thermal protection while maintaining transparency.
2Loss of energy
If material layers are mounted inside the window, then heat loss is reduced, but the visual impression of the room is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the insulating material layers inside the window (which would affect the visual impression), the patent inverts the approach by mounting the surface elements on the outside of the window. This allows the interior space to maintain its visual appearance while still achieving heat insulation through the air gaps and reflective properties of the externally mounted elements.
3Loss of energy
If surface elements are arranged permanently in front of the window, then heat loss is reduced continuously, but views and ventilation are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically operable surface elements that can be moved independently of each other. They can be positioned in front of the window for heat insulation when needed, and retracted or removed to allow unobstructed views and ventilation. The independent operation of multiple surface elements provides flexible control over when and where insulation is applied.
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
Effectively reduces heat loss through the window by up to 50% by creating air gaps and reflecting radiant heat, with the option to be movable for unobstructed views and ventilation, and can be retrofitted into existing buildings for enhanced energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one surface element is designed to be at least partially reflective in the infrared spectral range... Due to the infrared-reflecting properties of at least one surface element, the radiant heat emanating from the building window can also be thrown back into the interior
Implementation Method 2
two insulating layers of air form between the outside of the building window, the second surface element and the first surface element. Due to the additional layers of still air between the outside of the building window and the surrounding atmosphere, heat loss through convection is effectively reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat-insulating arrangement for a building window, containing a first sheet-like element and a second sheet-like element, which are spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one sheet-like element is of at least partially reflecting design in the infrared spectrum range, wherein the first sheet-like element and the second sheet-like element are arranged on the outside of the building window and the first sheet-like element is arranged with a first fastening device in front of the building window and the second sheet-like element is arranged with a second fastening device in front of the building window, it being possible for the first sheet-like element and the second sheet-like element to be operated independently of one another thereby. The invention also relates to a method for the heat insulation of a building window, in the case of which a first sheet-like element and a second sheet-like element are spaced apart from one another on the outside of the building window, wherein at least the second sheet-like element is of at least partially transparent design in the visible spectrum range and of at least partially reflecting design in the infrared spectrum range, and the second sheet-like element is arranged in a permanent or movable manner in front of the building window by means of a second fastening device and the first sheet-like element is arranged in a movable manner in front of the building window by means of a first fastening device.