Light Well Extension Element with Hollow Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light well extension elements require complex on-site attachment to basement walls, leading to thermal bridges and excessive weight, complicating assembly and stability.
Innovation Solution
A light well extension element with a hollow profile, attachable only to the light well, featuring a T-shaped cross-section and support projection for a grid cover, allowing for simplified assembly, avoiding thermal bridges, and adjustable height without direct connection to the basement wall, using screws or welding for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light well extension element is attached to the basement wall on site, then the extension element can be securely supported, but the attachment process becomes complex and creates thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the basement wall and relocates it to the light well itself. The extension element is designed to attach exclusively to the light well structure, removing the need for complex basement wall attachment while eliminating thermal bridges to the basement wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The light well serves as an intermediary structure between the extension element and the basement wall. By attaching the extension element to the light well rather than directly to the basement wall, the design uses the light well as a mediator to simplify attachment and prevent thermal bridging.
2Strength
If the light well extension element is attached to the basement wall, then structural support is provided, but excessive weight is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the structural support function from the basement wall attachment and transfers it to the light well attachment. This allows the extension element to be lighter since it relies on the light well structure for support rather than requiring heavy self-supporting construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the extension height is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different site conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element is divided into multiple height segments that can be selectively combined. This segmentation allows standardised manufacturing of individual segments while providing flexibility to achieve different total heights by combining varying numbers of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element incorporates adjustable height mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to different site conditions. The height can be modified after installation to accommodate varying ground levels and architectural requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The element (1) has a hollow profile, and a support projection (15) for supporting a lattice covering (50) for an upper shaft aperture (35) of a light shaft (30), where the element is fastened to the light shaft by a screw (20) in a detachable manner. The hollow profile is provided for accommodating a reinforcement element i.e. flat bar, for reinforcing the element, where the element completely encloses an upper edge (32) and/or a lower edge of the light shaft. The screw runs through the upper edge of the light shaft, where the reinforcement element is made from metal or metal alloy. An independent claim is also included for a method for variable extension of a light shaft.