Roof Window Vent with Adjustable Shutter for Condensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof window designs with ventilation channels often suffer from air penetration leading to condensation issues and inefficient airflow management due to inadequate ventilation control.

Innovation Solution

A plastic window frame with a ventilation channel in the upper stile featuring a vent with adjustable airflow, comprising a snap-connected plastic element with a back and front wall, and an air flow adjuster with a slider to control ventilation, ensuring laminar airflow and preventing condensation by sealing the channel when closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a ventilation channel is provided in the window frame, then ventilation function is improved, but air penetration into chambers causes condensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidcondensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation channel is segmented into controlled sections with a vent element that can be opened or closed. This allows the system to provide ventilation when needed while blocking air penetration that causes condensation when closed, resolving the contradiction between ventilation function and condensation prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent element is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the ventilation channel. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different conditions - opening for ventilation and closing to prevent condensation - thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If ventilation channel is open for air flow, then ventilation is improved, but air flow control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation air flowVSAvoidair flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vent element incorporates a movable shutter mechanism that can be adjusted to control air flow. This dynamic component allows users to regulate the amount of air passing through the ventilation channel, providing both ventilation improvement and ease of operation through simple adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter mechanism changes the effective opening size parameter of the ventilation channel. By adjusting the shutter position, the system can modify air flow parameters while maintaining the ventilation function, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation improvement and air flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vent is sealed to prevent air penetration, then condensation is prevented, but ventilation function is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidventilation function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vent element with its movable shutter provides dynamic sealing capability. The system can seal the ventilation channel to prevent condensation when needed, while opening it to restore ventilation function. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between condensation prevention and ventilation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vent element is designed to self-regulate by responding to pressure differences and humidity conditions. The shutter mechanism can automatically adjust or be adjusted to seal against condensation-forming conditions while maintaining ventilation during acceptable conditions, resolving the contradiction through self-service regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively manages airflow, preventing air penetration and condensation, while allowing adjustable ventilation based on pressure and humidity differences, ensuring efficient and controlled ventilation within the window frame.

Implementation Method 1

The opening leading to ventilation channel outlet opening (61) is located in the top part of the vent, between front wall (42) and back wall (41). Whereas front wall (42) and back wall (41) are joined by a snap fastener along the vent side edge.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Air flow adjuster (5) also comprises a slider (52) to control the position of its shutter which is inside vent (4) when the ventilation channel is open.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical adjustment: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

Once the ventilation channel is closed, the shutter fills the opening in the window frame upper stile inner wall, blocking ventilation air flow.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical blocking: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

Use of the vent in the window frame ventilation channel makes it possible to stop air from penetrating into chambers inside the stile causing condensation and ensures laminar flow of ventilation air stream.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 5

Air flow adjuster (5) also comprises a flange (51), which, once installed, is located on upper stile (1) inner wall (11). There is sealing material between the upper stile inner wall and air flow adjuster flange.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4279679A1Window frame with air supply duct
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O O
  • EP4279679A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4279679A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4279679A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plastic window frame for a roof window comprising an upper stile (1), a lower stile (2) and two side stiles (3) joined using a heat welding method so that the frame stiles are attached to each other in window frame corners, chambers are located in the window frame stiles, and in the upper stile there is a ventilation channel with outlet opening (61) and inlet opening (62), and vent (4) is located in the ventilation channel which constitutes the ventilation air flow path, and vent (4) is a plastic element and its volume is limited by its back wall (41) and front wall (42).