Skylight Gasket Drainage and Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Skylight systems face challenges with moisture condensation due to temperature differences between the building interior and exterior, which can reduce the amount of natural light entering the structure and increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A skylight mounting system with interfitting frames and a gasket configuration that includes longitudinal members and angled wings to create gutters for moisture drainage, allowing for easy assembly and maximizing light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a typical skylight system is used with standard mounting and gasket configuration, then the structure is simple and assembly is straightforward, but condensation accumulates and blocks natural light entry
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into multiple functional zones including a first lateral surface, second lateral surface, and three longitudinal members (first, second, and third) that create distinct drainage pathways. This segmentation allows condensation to be channeled through specific gutters formed by the longitudinal members, preventing accumulation while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design incorporates vertical dimensionality with the second longitudinal member extending downward to create a drainage gutter. This three-dimensional configuration adds a drainage dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional gasket seal, enabling condensation to be directed away from the lens without compromising the seal's primary function
2Ease of operation
If the skylight assembly is designed with complex interfitting frames and gasket structures for easy assembly, then assembly becomes simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate modular components including a first frame portion and a second frame portion that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The gasket is also segmented into multiple surfaces and longitudinal members that can be pre-formed and then integrated, allowing each segment to be manufactured with standard tolerances while achieving precise final assembly through the interfitting design
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as an intermediary element between the first and second frame portions, providing a compliant sealing interface that accommodates minor dimensional variations. The longitudinal members act as intermediaries to create drainage pathways that align the frame portions during assembly, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
3Reliability
If the gasket is designed with longitudinal members to drain condensation, then moisture drainage is improved, but the gasket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket performs multiple functions simultaneously: the first and second lateral surfaces provide sealing against the frame, the longitudinal members create drainage gutters, and the overall structure maintains the optical alignment of the lens. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component rather than requiring separate drainage and sealing elements
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is formed as a flexible or compliant element that can be molded into the complex three-dimensional shape including lateral surfaces and longitudinal members. This flexibility allows the gasket to conform to the frame surfaces while maintaining the precision of the drainage pathways, achieving reliable condensation drainage without rigid complex structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A skylight mounting system and assembly is disclosed. The skylight mounting system of the present invention includes providing skylight assembly components and mounting such components to create the skylight assembly (10) of the present invention. The components of the skylight assembly (10) include an upper frame (30) having a downwardly extending upper channel (38),a lower frame (40) having an upwardly extending lower channel (48), a connector clip (60), a gasket (70) having a first and second gutter channel (96 and 97), and a lens (100). The lower frame (30) is secured to the gasket (70), the connector clip (60) is secured within the lower channel (48) of the lower frame (40), the lens (100) is secured above the first and second gutter channels (96 and 97) of the gasket (70), and an inside leg (34) of the downwardly extending upper channel (38) is inserted into the connector clip (60) secured within the lower channel (48) of the lower frame (40).