Skylight Window With Detachable Curb Flange For Roof Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skylight windows have poor insulating properties and limited light entry and visibility due to their installation method, which exposes a larger portion to the environment, and the use of additional glazing layers with dome-shaped weather shields increases the light path, reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A skylight window design featuring a detachable curb flange that can be attached to the frame side member in various positions, providing structural support and acting as a bracket, allowing for improved insulation and light entry while being adaptable to both flat and inclined roofs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a dome-shaped weather shield is attached to the top of the skylight window, then the window portion is protected from weather and precipitation accumulation, but the number of glazing layers increases and the light path becomes longer, reducing light entry and visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather protectionVSAvoidlight entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the dome-shaped weather shield from the skylight window assembly. Instead of having the weather shield attached to the top of the window, the patent uses a curb flange system that integrates weather protection at the base level, eliminating the need for additional glazing layers and reducing the light path length while maintaining effective weather protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention shifts the weather protection function from a vertical dimension (dome shield at the top) to a horizontal dimension (curb flange at the base). This dimensional change allows weather protection to be achieved without adding layers that obstruct light, as the protection is provided at a different spatial level that does not interfere with the light path through the glazing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If flat-roof skylight windows are installed on top of the exterior side of flat roofs, then the window portion is exposed to the surrounding environment, but this installation method results in poor insulating properties and limited light entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinsulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a detachable curb flange that can be positioned at different locations along the frame side member. This dynamic positioning capability allows the installation to be adapted to different roof conditions and insulation requirements, enabling optimized thermal performance while maintaining installation flexibility for various roof configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the curb flange position along the frame side member to optimize insulation performance. By allowing the curb flange to be positioned at different locations, the system can adapt to varying thermal requirements and roof structures, improving energy efficiency while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable curb flange is attached to the frame side member in various positions, then installation flexibility and structural support are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcurb flange attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the curb flange attachment system into discrete, modular components that can be independently positioned and secured at different locations along the frame side member. This segmentation allows for flexible installation while keeping each individual attachment unit simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3779085B1A skylight window
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3779085B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779085B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779085B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A skylight window comprising a window frame, a window sash, a weather shield, and an IGU, wherein curb flange is provided so that it can be attached to and detached from the first frame side member.