Thermally Separated Panel Assembly for Roof Hatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof hatch panel assemblies made of thermally conductive materials allow excessive heat transfer between the outside and inside of buildings, leading to energy loss due to heating or cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
The panel assembly incorporates thermally separated components with insulating strips made of synthetic materials, such as rubber, between outward and inward-facing parts, and includes hollow air-containing sections and additional insulating materials to minimize heat transfer, using a frame with inner and outer walls and edges to create spaces for insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the panel assembly is made of thermally conductive material, then structural strength and durability are improved, but heat transfer between outside and inside of the building increases causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly is segmented into multiple parts: the frame, the panel, and intermediate sections. Insulating strips are placed between these segments to break the thermal conduction path while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows the use of thermally conductive materials for strength while preventing heat transfer through strategic thermal breaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assembly uses composite construction combining thermally conductive materials (for structural strength) with thermally insulating materials (for heat reduction). The frame and panel are made of strong materials while insulating strips made of rubber or synthetic materials are integrated between components, creating a composite structure that achieves both strength and thermal insulation.
2Loss of energy
If insulating strips are added between panel and frame, then heat transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Insulating strips are introduced as intermediary elements between the panel and frame. These strips serve as thermal mediators that break the direct thermal contact between the panel and frame while allowing mechanical assembly. The intermediary strips simplify the thermal insulation problem by providing a dedicated component for heat reduction without requiring complex redesign of the entire assembly.
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
This design reduces energy needs for maintaining building temperature by minimizing heat transfer through the panel assembly, enhancing energy efficiency by preventing heat flow between the exterior and interior.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating strip is provided between the panel and the frame, wherein said strip is made of a synthetic material, in particular rubber
Implementation Method 2
two insulating, hollow, air-containing sections are provided between the panel and the frame
Implementation Method 3
a third insulating strip is provided between the two edges, wherein said third strip is in particular made of a synthetic material with a coefficient of thermal conduction (λ) as low as possible
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a panel assembly comprising a panel (2) and a frame ( 3 ), which panel can be hinged between an open and a closed position relative to the frame, wherein the parts of the panel assembly that face outward in use are thermally separated from the parts of the panel assembly that face inward in use.