Retrofit Insulating Window Insert With Air-Gap Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window retrofit solutions for improving thermal insulation are costly, mechanically intrusive, and require precise fitting, making them unsuitable for historic buildings or those without professional installation.
Innovation Solution
A frameless, thermally insulating member (TIM) with a biasing mechanism, such as compressible pillars or strips, is removably secured using existing clips, pushing away from the main window to create an insulating air gap and reduce thermal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing window retrofit solutions are used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit solution is divided into separate functional components: a frameless insulating panel, removable securing clips, and optional weather sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling easy assembly and disassembly without professional help.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the insulating panel to the window frame from the exterior side (conventional approach), this invention secures the panel from the interior side using clips that engage with the window's existing hardware. This inverted approach eliminates the need for exterior modifications and reduces installation complexity.
2Loss of energy
If existing window retrofit solutions are used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit system incorporates self-aligning features where the insulating panel automatically positions itself relative to the window frame through its geometry and the securing mechanism design. The clips are designed to be easily engaged by end-users without requiring specialized tools or skills, enabling DIY installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing clips are designed to work with multiple window types and configurations, providing universal applicability. The same basic clip design can secure panels of different sizes and accommodate various window frame styles, reducing the need for custom-fit solutions and simplifying installation.
3Loss of energy
If existing window retrofit solutions are used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating panel uses thin, flexible insulating materials that can be manufactured at low cost while providing effective thermal resistance. These thin-film solutions replace bulky traditional insulation materials, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining or improving insulating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit system uses inexpensive, easily replaceable components such as plastic securing clips and simple frameless panels. These components are designed to be low-cost items that can be manufactured economically and replaced if needed, reducing the overall system cost compared to permanent, complex retrofit solutions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid attachment methods are used for retrofit insulation, then insulation stability is improved, but adaptability to dimensional variability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system uses movable, adjustable clips that can accommodate variations in window dimensions and panel sizing. The clips can be positioned at different locations and adjusted to secure panels of slightly different sizes, providing both stability during use and adaptability during installation without requiring rigid, fixed-attachment methods.
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
Provides economical, easy-to-install thermal insulation without mechanical attachment, accommodating dimensional variability, and allowing DIY installation, enhancing energy efficiency without altering the building envelope.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism to push the optically transparent pane away from the interior window pane and towards the insect screen compartment
Implementation Method 2
the other side of the thermally insulating element bearing against the surface of the interior window pane
Data Source
AI summary
A frameless thermally insulating member comprising a single or composite optically transparent pane and supporting a thermally insulating element can be removably and interchangeably fitted in an insect screen compartment of an existing window or between the compartment and the main window, thus making the system reconfigurable to optimize its functionalities. The screen can be used when the weather permits the window to stay open. It can be effortlessly replaced by the thermally insulating member during hot and cold seasons to manage the amount of direct sunlight entering the building radiatively as well as the amount of heat exchange between the building and the outdoor environment due to convection and conduction. Alternatively, a modified version of the retrofit may be used along with the insect screen. In addition to its thermal performance, the thermally insulating member may be designed to add to the window aesthetic appeal. All these attributes as well as its compatibility with a broad variety of existing fenestration designs makes the presented retrofit an attractive option for reconfigurable fenestrations from the viewpoint of thermal performance, aesthetics, affordability, and convenience of use alike.