Curb-Mounted Skylight Frame Geometry for Water Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylight designs on flat and sloping roofs face issues with water accumulation at the frame's lower edge, hindering rainwater and snowmelt runoff, which complicates maintenance and cleaning, especially for fixed skylights requiring access to the roof.
Innovation Solution
A curb-mounted skylight with a glazing unit comprising two panes separated by a spacer frame, supported by a section profile with a protective wall and adhesive fastening, ensuring the support frame does not protrude beyond the upper pane, allowing for unobstructed water flow and featuring a mounting system for window accessories and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support frame protrudes above the window pane at the glazing unit's lower edge, then the glazing unit is securely supported and structured, but water accumulates at the frame, hindering rainwater and snowmelt runoff
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame transitions from a horizontal protrusion above the pane to a vertical configuration below the pane. The protective wall extends downward to surround the lower edge of the glazing unit, changing the dimensional orientation of the support structure to eliminate water accumulation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the support frame above the glazing unit as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the support structure to be positioned below the pane. The protective wall surrounds the lower edge from beneath, providing support while allowing water to flow freely over the top edge without accumulation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the support frame is positioned below the glazing unit surface, then water flow is unobstructed, but the structural support and protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall functions as a thin film or shell structure that extends vertically below the glazing unit. This wall provides structural support and protection while maintaining a sleek profile that does not obstruct water flow, effectively combining structural integrity with hydrodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame utilizes composite construction with the protective wall surrounding the lower edge of the glazing unit. This composite structure integrates both support and protection functions into a single element that maintains strength while allowing unobstructed water flow over the top surface.
3Shape
If the protective wall ends slightly below the outer surface of the glazing unit, then a chamfered outer edge is formed for aesthetic purposes, but the protection coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall is designed with varying lengths at different locations around the glazing unit. At the outer edges, the wall extends slightly below the pane surface to create chamfered edges for aesthetic purposes, while at other locations it provides full protection coverage, creating local variations in protection level based on functional and aesthetic requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A curb-mounted skylight designed for mounting on a framing protruding from the roof and forming part of its construction. The skylight has a glazing unit (1) and a support frame (2), where the distance (H2) from the skylight support surface to the outermost edge of the protective wall (22) of the section profile of the support frame (2) is not longer than the distance (H1) from the skylight support surface to the outside surface of the glazing unit (1). There is an adhesive sealing joint (5) between the glazing unit (1) and the protective wall (2).