Skylight Curb Frame Segmented Wall Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skylight bases face challenges in achieving both high stability and effective thermal insulation, particularly when metallic reinforcing profiles are used, as they compromise thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

The skylight base features intermediate walls between the inner and outer walls to prevent heat transfer and create a finer subdivision of space for improved insulation, along with transverse webs and shaped bodies of heat-insulating material inserted into chambers to enhance thermal performance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic reinforcing profiles are inserted into the chambers to increase stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the thermal insulation deteriorates due to heat conduction through the metal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wall thickness is divided into multiple chambers by intermediate walls, creating a segmented structure that interrupts heat flow paths. This segmentation allows the use of reinforcement profiles in specific chambers while maintaining thermal insulation through the multiple air gaps and insulation layers between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat-insulating shaped bodies are introduced as intermediary elements between the metallic reinforcement profiles and the inner/outer walls. These shaped bodies act as thermal barriers that prevent direct heat conduction through the metal profiles while still allowing the profiles to provide structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the wall thickness is increased to improve thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates due to reduced rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The thick wall is segmented into multiple chambers by intermediate walls, creating a multi-cavity structure. This segmentation maintains thermal insulation through increased total insulation thickness while preserving structural stability through the distributed chamber framework that prevents buckling and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall structure combines multiple materials with different properties: plastic for the basic structure, heat-insulating material for thermal performance, and metallic profiles for reinforcement. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of thermal insulation and structural stability that would be difficult with a single material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If intermediate walls are added to subdivide the interior space for better thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall is divided into multiple chambers using intermediate walls, creating a segmented structure that improves thermal insulation by interrupting heat flow. The segmentation is achieved through a systematic approach where intermediate walls are positioned at regular intervals, balancing insulation performance with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration results in enhanced thermal insulation and stability, allowing the skylight base to maintain structural integrity while effectively managing thermal transfer and load absorption.

Implementation Method 1

At least one intermediate wall is formed in the wall between the inner wall and the outer wall, which separates the interior space between the inner wall and the outer wall. As a result, there can be no unhindered heat transfer between the inner wall and the outer wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

shaped bodies made of heat-insulating material are inserted into individual chambers formed in the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2463453B1Curb frame
Publication Date: 2014.07.02 ESSMANN
  • EP2463453B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2463453B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Upstand (1), in particular for a skylight or rooflight, with a frame made of angle profiles (2) which can be fixed to a roof at ground level, wherein each angle profile (2) has a bottom flange (4) and an upwardly projecting wall (5) which is designed as a hollow profile and has an inner wall (7) and an outer wall (8), wherein at least one intermediate wall (9, 10, 11) is formed in the wall (5) between the inner wall (7) and the outer wall (8). This achieves high thermal insulation at the upstand.