Skylight Covering Device with Movable Shield and Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering devices for building openings fail to effectively regulate light flow, prevent direct sun radiation, ensure adequate heat insulation, withstand heavy precipitation, and allow for independent adjustment of cover and protective shield positions.
Innovation Solution
A covering device comprising a fixed cover, a movable protective shield with actuator-driven compasses-like motion, and an annular spacer element for sealing, allowing independent adjustment of light and air flow, and made from materials prioritizing resistance, insulation, or opacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent or semi-transparent materials are used for covers to permit light passage, then natural lighting is improved, but direct sun radiation cannot be prevented causing annoying and damaging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is divided into two separate functional elements: a transparent cover for light transmission and a movable protective shield for radiation control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is designed to be movable relative to the cover, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position. This enables users to regulate the flow of light and block direct sun radiation according to different times of day and seasonal requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shields or curtains are installed under covers to intercept sun rays, then direct radiation is eliminated, but heat absorbed by shields is transferred into the room increasing ambient temperature and air conditioning costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the protective shield underneath the cover (vertical arrangement), the invention positions the shield above the cover, creating a horizontal air gap between them. This spatial reconfiguration allows heat to dissipate in multiple directions rather than being funneled directly into the room.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap between the cover and protective shield acts as a thermal buffer zone. This intermediary space prevents direct heat transfer from the shield to the room interior, allowing heat to dissipate before reaching the living space.
3Illumination intensity
If the sky vault absorbs heat through cover transparency on clear winter nights, then cooling effect occurs, but heating system must remain operational preventing temperature lowering and condensate formation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield can be positioned in different locations: during daytime it blocks radiation, while at night it can be moved to allow controlled heat retention or completely removed to maximize star visibility. This dynamic positioning adapts to different nighttime conditions.
4Shape
If supporting columns are used to sustain protective shield over cover, then shield is kept spaced from underlying cover, but light flow regulation and complete room darkening are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting columns are removed entirely from the design. Instead, the protective shield is directly attached to the cover structure, allowing it to move freely along the cover's perimeter without structural obstructions that would limit positioning flexibility.
5Stability of the object's composition
If supporting columns fix shield to underlying cover, then shield remains stable in installed position, but position modification is not possible preventing light flow adaptation to user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is designed with movable attachment mechanisms that allow it to be repositioned along the cover's perimeter. This dynamic design maintains stability when positioned while enabling easy adjustment to different locations based on lighting requirements.
6Ease of operation
If perimetral area between shield and cover is not covered by supporting columns, then light passage through perimeter is possible, but complete room darkening cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield can be positioned to extend along the entire perimeter of the cover, completely blocking light when needed. The movable design allows it to achieve full peripheral coverage for complete darkening while maintaining the ability to be repositioned for partial light flow.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention is a covering device (1; 20; 30) for openings (A) made in buildings, comprising the following elements, in combination with one another: a cover (2; 22; 32) arranged over the opening (A); a protective shield (3; 23; 33) arranged over the cover (2; 22; 32); at least one annular spacer element (6; 26; 36) interposed between the cover (2; 22; 32) and the protective shield (3; 23; 33) and arranged on the perimeter of the cover (2; 22, 32).