A roof window system with a ventilation unit mounted adjacent to the roof window, and a method of providing ventilation for a building

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof window ventilation systems are often complex, require significant exterior modifications to the building, and can increase wind buoyancy, affecting thermal comfort and indoor air quality, while also being costly and difficult to install.

Innovation Solution

A roof window system with a ventilation panel that allows air passage from one side to another, integrated into the existing frame structure, minimizing roof damage and installation complexity, and featuring a solar-powered ventilation unit that is compact and easy to install, with a ventilation panel positioned to enhance air flow direction and reduce condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a ventilation unit is integrated into the roof window system, then ventilation function is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation unit is integrated directly into the roof window frame structure, merging the ventilation function with the existing window system. This eliminates the need for separate ventilation installations and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced ventilation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The roof window system is designed to perform multiple functions: natural light entry, natural ventilation through the ventilation unit, and potential solar power generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall building envelope configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ventilation assembly is added to roof window, then ventilation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation unit is manufactured as an integrated component of the roof window system, allowing for streamlined production processes and reduced manufacturing costs compared to installing separate ventilation assemblies after the window is manufactured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If ventilation unit is mounted adjacent to frame member, then installation ease is improved, but exterior modification requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidexterior modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation unit is positioned to integrate with the existing frame members of the roof window, utilizing the frame structure as part of the mounting system. This approach minimizes the need for additional exterior modifications while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If ventilation panel extends away from frame member, then air flow efficiency is improved, but aesthetic integration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation panel is designed with specific geometric configurations and positioning that optimize air flow channels while maintaining a streamlined appearance. The panel's extension distance and orientation are carefully controlled to balance aerodynamic performance with aesthetic integration into the roof surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system improves thermal comfort and indoor air quality by providing flexible, efficient ventilation that is easy to install and maintain, reducing wind buoyancy effects and manufacturing costs, while being aesthetically integrated into the existing roof structure.

Implementation Method 1

a ventilation panel (3) allowing air passage from one side of the ventilation panel to another side of the ventilation panel, thereby defining an intended air flow direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

featuring a solar-powered ventilation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3845718B1A roof window system with a ventilation unit mounted adjacent to the roof window, and a method of providing ventilation for a building
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3845718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3845718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3845718B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6b

AI summary

The roof window system (1) is configured for being mounted in an opening in a roof structure (23) of a building and includes a ventilation unit (5) configured for being mounted adjacent to a roof window (13) and adapted for providing ventilation of the interior of the building in which the roof window is mounted. The roof window comprises a frame (2) defining a frame plane and including a pane (4) mounted in said frame. The frame comprises a top frame member (2a) intended for being located highest in the mounted state when seen in the direction of inclination of the roof structure, a bottom frame member opposite the top frame member, and two side frame members extending between the top frame member and the bottom frame member, said frame members together form a window structure delimiting a frame opening and each having an interior side (2f) intended for facing the interior in the mounted state, an exterior side intended for facing the exterior, an inner side (2d) facing the frame opening and an outer side (2e) facing away from the frame opening. The ventilation unit is configured for being arranged primarily adjacent to the outer side of a frame member, and comprises a lower side (24) configured for being arranged adjacent to or at the interior side (2f) of said frame member (2a). The roof window system further comprises a ventilation panel (3) allowing air passage from one side of the ventilation panel to another side of the ventilation panel, thereby defining an intended air flow direction, said ventilation panel being configured for facing the interior of the building and extending away from the interior side of the frame member adjacent to which the ventilation unit is mounted.