Roof Window Gutter Notch Design for Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows are not discreet due to their protruding height and suffer from issues like cracked slates and inadequate sealing, which allows humidity infiltration, and their design makes them less effective in diverting runoff water during severe weather.
Innovation Solution
A roof window design featuring a fixed frame with two longitudinal beams, two gutters, and overlapping means with an inverted U-shaped geometry that directs runoff water into the gutters, minimizing the window's protrusion above the roof, and using notches and a transverse gutter to manage water flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the window is designed with wider gutters to collect rainwater during severe weather, then water collection capability is improved, but the window width increases making it less discreet
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal gutter width expansion to vertical projection height utilization. The notches extend vertically above the roof covering elements, creating a three-dimensional water collection structure that captures runoff without increasing the window's horizontal footprint, thus maintaining discretion while improving water collection capability during severe weather
2Reliability
If the vertical branch of the notch is made taller to ensure proper runoff water flow during severe weather, then water diversion effectiveness is improved, but the window projection height above the roof increases making it less discreet
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the notch geometry parameters, specifically setting the vertical branch height to a minimum effective dimension that ensures proper water flow diversion during severe weather. This parameter optimization allows the window to maintain discreet integration with the roof while achieving reliable water diversion functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If slates are cantilevered on the outer edge of the gutters, then installation is simplified, but the slates crack and break during diurnal/nocturnal cycles and seasons
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces notches as intermediary structural elements between the gutters and the roof covering elements. These notches provide proper support and integration for the slates/tiles, eliminating the cantilevered condition that causes cracking while maintaining installation feasibility. The notches act as a mediating structure that distributes loads appropriately
4Reliability
If cement grouting is used to seal the slates at the gutter location, then sealing is achieved initially, but the grouting disintegrates over time allowing humidity infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical cement grouting sealing system with a geometric interlocking system formed by the notches. The notches create a physical barrier and integration structure that prevents humidity infiltration through design geometry rather than relying on disintegrating grout material, thus achieving long-term sealing durability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention covers a roof window (100) comprising a fixed frame (Cf), provided with two longitudinal stringers (L), the window comprising two gutters. According to the invention, two battens (Ts) are fixed externally and laterally to the two longitudinal stringers (L) and the two gutters (120) are fixed on said two battens (Ts), arrangement considered in the installation position of said window, the window further comprising valleys (140), each valley comprising a plate (142, 142') intended to be covered by roofing elements, such as slates (Ad), tiles (Tl, Tl'), said plate being extended on a lateral edge by an overlapping means (150) designed to cover the free edge of the outer side wall (123) constituting the two gutters.When the window is integrated into the roof, rainwater runoff during heavy rain overflows the overlapping elements forming the valley gutters and flows into the downspouts. The height of the window's projection above the roof can be minimized by adjusting the height of the two battens against the longitudinal frame members. The window remains discreet on the roof.