A roof window system with a ventilation unit mounted adjacent to the roof window, a roof structure including a roof window system, a method of providing a roof window system and a method of retrofitting a roof window system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof window ventilation systems often require significant modifications to the building structure, are bulky, and suffer from condensation issues, making them difficult to manufacture, implement, and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A roof window system featuring a separate ventilation unit housing that integrates with the existing window frame, allowing for minimal roof material removal and easy access, with a drainage channel to prevent condensation, and a ventilation panel that facilitates natural airflow without altering the window frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a background ventilator is installed in the exterior structure of a building, then ventilation function is provided, but the building envelope requires significant modifications and the solution becomes bulky and non-aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation unit is merged with the roof window frame structure, where the ventilation unit is mounted adjacent to the frame members and integrated into the existing window opening. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate building envelope modifications while providing both ventilation and window functions through a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof window frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the window opening for natural light and the mounting structure for the ventilation unit. The frame members are designed to accommodate both the window pane and the ventilation unit, making the structure multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate ventilation openings.
2Ease of manufacture
If a ventilation unit is integrated into the roof window frame, then installation complexity is reduced, but the ventilation unit must be arranged adjacent to the frame members which limits positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently mounted adjacent to different frame members (top, bottom, or side frame members). This segmentation allows the ventilation unit to be positioned at various locations around the window frame while maintaining a consistent integration approach, thus providing positioning flexibility without compromising installation simplicity.
3Shape
If the ventilation unit is mounted adjacent to the outer side of the frame member, then aesthetics are maintained, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing of the ventilation unit is designed with a movable or removable cover that can be opened from the interior side of the frame. This dynamic design allows the exterior appearance to remain clean and aesthetic while providing easy access to the ventilation unit components for maintenance and repair from the interior side, eliminating the access difficulty.
4Use of energy by moving object
If natural ventilation is used through roof windows, then operational costs are reduced, but constant airflow rate cannot be maintained due to weather dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation unit acts as an intermediary between natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation. It can operate in natural mode using weather-driven airflow when conditions are favorable, and switch to forced mechanical ventilation mode using an integrated fan when constant airflow is required. This intermediary approach maintains low operational costs while ensuring reliable, consistent airflow performance.
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 provides efficient ventilation while maintaining the window's aesthetics and functionality, reducing installation complexity and manufacturing costs, and preventing condensation, making it adaptable to various roof windows without causing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage channel extending from the longitudinal channel to the ventilator, such that it forms a positive angle with a bottom side of the longitudinal channel
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
In a roof window system, the housing (6) of the ventilation unit (5) is prepared for accommodation of a standard ventilator and/or a regenerator allowing an air current through a ventilation passage (28), from an exterior grating (18) to a ventilation panel (3) integrated into or in continuation of a lining panel of a room in the interior of the building in which the roof window is installed.