Frameless Supplemental Window Air Gap Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supplemental window solutions face challenges in minimizing heat transfer, maintaining optical transparency, and preventing air leakage while being easy to install and manufacture, with most designs requiring customization and impeding window operability.
Innovation Solution
A frameless supplemental window with a sheet material and edging seal that traps a volume of air for thermal insulation, incorporating corner braces and an attachment mechanism to secure it to existing windows, allowing for easy installation and operation without obstructing the window's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If window films are mounted to create an insulating layer, then thermal insulation is improved, but the operability of non-fixed windows is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental window system is divided into separate functional components: a first supplemental window unit that can be removed and a second supplemental window unit that remains. This segmentation allows the first unit to be taken away when window operability is needed, while the second unit provides continuous thermal insulation, resolving the conflict between insulation and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed supplemental window to a dynamic configuration where the first supplemental window unit can be removed or repositioned. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between providing maximum insulation and enabling window operation, depending on the user's needs.
2Loss of energy
If window films adhere directly to the window pane, then thermal insulation is improved, but an insulating layer cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the window pane and the first supplemental window unit. This spacer creates and maintains the dead air space, serving as a mediator that enables both the formation of an insulating layer and the ability to remove the supplemental window unit when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If supplemental windows are designed for customization to fit each window, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second supplemental window units are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various window types and sizes. The attachment means and spacer elements are standardized components that can be used across different applications, providing adaptability while simplifying manufacturing through standardized production processes.
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
The solution effectively reduces heat transfer, maintains transparency, prevents air leakage, and is cost-effective, with self-adjusting dimensions and easy installation, enhancing energy efficiency during both heating and cooling seasons.
Implementation Method 1
the edging functions to substantially enclose (i.e., trap) a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material
Implementation Method 2
creating an additional 'dead air' insulating layer adjacent to the window
Implementation Method 3
attachment material is applied to one or more areas of the supplemental window apparatus to further attach the supplemental window apparatus to the window pane
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a supplemental window apparatus having a substantially non porous sheet having a sheet area substantially similar to a window area defined by interior surfaces of a window element of an existing window, the window element holding a windowpane. The method includes attaching one or more pane fasteners to the windowpane. One or more mating fasteners coupled to the substantially non porous sheet are attached to the one or more pane fasteners, such that there is an air gap dimension between the sheet and the windowpane. An attachment material is applied to one or more areas of the supplemental window apparatus to further attach the supplemental window apparatus to the window pane.