Roof Window Frame with Support Flashing to Reduce Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows suffer from thermal bridging issues due to metal components penetrating the roof structure, leading to heat loss, and protrude significantly above the roof surface, compromising both thermal efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A roof window design featuring a window frame with a support flashing or bearing strips made of low thermal conductivity materials, incorporating T-shaped grooves for seals and filled with insulating materials, with hinges and seals positioned externally to prevent thermal bridging and allow for pivoting, tilting, or dual-action operation without penetrating the roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal components are used in the window frame structure, then structural strength is improved, but thermal bridging occurs leading to heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metal components from the window frame structure that would create thermal bridges. The frame is designed to rest on the roof structure without penetrating it, eliminating metal fasteners and connectors that would conduct heat. This separation removes the thermal bridging pathway while maintaining structural integrity through alternative non-metallic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the window frame and the roof structure - a thermal insulation layer that mediates the connection. This intermediary prevents direct thermal contact between the frame and roof, reducing heat loss while still allowing the frame to be supported and positioned correctly on the roof structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the window frame is designed to protrude above the roof surface, then installation and access are simplified, but aesthetic appearance and thermal efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the design from vertical protrusion to horizontal integration. Instead of the frame sticking up above the roof, it is designed to lie flat against the roof surface, utilizing the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows the frame to be installed easily on the roof while maintaining a sleek, low-profile appearance that does not compromise aesthetics.
3Strength
If the window frame penetrates the roof structure, then structural support is improved, but thermal bridging and roof integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the penetration element from the design. Instead of the frame going through or into the roof structure, it rests on the surface. This extraction eliminates the disruption to roof integrity caused by holes or embedments, while the frame still receives adequate support from the roof surface and underlying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the thermal insulation layer as an intermediary that also serves as a protective interface. This layer protects the roof structure from direct contact with the frame, preventing potential damage while maintaining structural support. The insulation acts as a buffer that preserves roof integrity.
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 design enhances thermal performance by eliminating metal components within the roof structure, reducing heat loss, and allows for deeper immersion into the roof, minimizing protrusion above the surface while maintaining operational functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Outside the walls, the window frame members seated in the roof structure, have a filling made of an insulating material, preferably a porous one, with a lower resistance than the material of the walls in the window frame, but with a higher thermal performance than the material of walls
Implementation Method 2
In its members, the window frame has walls made of a material with a low thermal conductivity, preferably a plastic, situated along the support flashing, transversely to its surface resting on the roof
Data Source
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AI summary
A window frame equipped with fitting constituting at least an installation set of the window sash has at least one structural element connecting it with the roof, particularly in the form of a support flashing (2), located on the surface of the members (11) on the external side of the window. Above the support flashing (2), hinges for opening of the window as a pivot window or a tilt window are located; there may be also sets of hinges for opening in both these modes.