Pivoting Roof Window Hinge Thermal Bridge Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows suffer from heat loss due to thermal bridges formed by fixing runners and hinges, which protrude above the roof surface, and the use of metal parts in hinges creates additional heat escape pathways.
Innovation Solution
A roof window design featuring pivoting or dual-action operation with hinges placed outside the window frame, using low thermal conductivity materials for the sash and frame, and a support flashing that connects the window frame to the roof, minimizing thermal bridges and optimizing insulation by eliminating metal components within the window frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixing runners and hinges are used to secure the window frame to the roof structure, then the window can be firmly fixed and opened reliably, but thermal bridges are formed causing heat loss from the attic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful thermal bridge elements (metal fixing runners and hinges) from the heat transfer path by replacing them with insulating materials. The fixing mechanism is extracted from the thermal conduction path, eliminating the direct metal-to-roof connection that caused heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating materials as intermediary elements between the window frame and the roof structure. These intermediaries break the thermal conduction path while maintaining the mechanical fixing function, allowing the window to be securely mounted without creating thermal bridges.
2Strength
If metal parts are used in hinges for structural strength and durability, then the window can withstand operational loads, but additional heat escape pathways are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metal components from the hinge assembly, removing the thermal conduction path while retaining the necessary mechanical function. The hinge is redesigned to eliminate metal-to-metal contact points that would create heat bridges between the interior and exterior environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the hinge construction, combining insulating materials with structural elements to maintain strength while reducing thermal conductivity. This allows the hinge to fulfill both mechanical and thermal insulation requirements simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a significant part of the window frame protrudes above the roof surface for easy installation and operation, then the window can be easily accessed and maintained, but heat escapes from the attic through the protruding frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation specifically at the protruding portions of the window frame that are exposed to the interior environment. This targeted insulation approach addresses heat loss at the critical protruding sections without compromising the accessibility and operational ease of the window.
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 significantly reduces heat loss by minimizing thermal bridges and improving insulation, as evident from uniform isotherm distribution, indicating lower heat flow rates and enhanced thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
walls made of a material with a low thermal conductivity, particularly of a plastic... The filling in the window frame members is made of an insulating material... which serves the purpose of thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
walls made of a material with a low thermal conductivity... minimizing thermal bridges and optimizing insulation by eliminating metal components within the window frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A roof window, at least pivoting, has two sets of hinges situated at both side edges of the window sash, preferably above the middle of the height of the sash, making it possible to open the window pivotally, where the lower part of the sash moves outside the roof, while the upper part of the sash to the inside of the attic. Centres of mass of the elements of these hinges that mate with the sash are situated above the external surface of the glazing unit (2), when the window is closed. The window frame (3) is fixed to the roof structure through the support flashing (4). The window may also have a second set of hinges situated near the top edge of the window, making it possible to open the window either in the pivotal or tilting mode, i.e. by rotating the whole window sash towards the outside of the roof.