Skylight IGU Positioning for Thermal Insulation and Daylight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skylight windows face challenges in providing adequate daylight influx and improved insulation while maintaining a clear view, often resulting in high material and processing costs due to their structural design and rough appearance.
Innovation Solution
The skylight window design features a window frame with a first frame side member extending above the exposed exterior major surface of the Insulating Glazing Unit (IGU), allowing for a larger IGU size that fits within the roof opening, reducing obstructions and enhancing light influx and view, while also improving insulation by positioning the IGU closer to the frame for increased thermal energy exchange interface and using a weather shield without sealed gas-filled spacing for better insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the IGU is positioned closer to the frame side members, then insulation properties are improved, but the view through the window and light influx are limited due to increased obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The frame side members extend in the height direction above the IGU rather than only laterally, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve close positioning for insulation while maintaining clear view areas. This dimensional change allows the frame to provide thermal insulation without blocking the horizontal view through the window.
2Strength
If a standard box structure sash is used, then structural support and thermal insulation are provided, but the appearance becomes rough and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow spacings and complex box structures are removed from the sash design. Instead, the invention uses a simplified sash structure where the frame side members themselves provide the necessary structural support and thermal insulation, eliminating the need for additional hollow cavities and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If the frame side members are extended above the IGU, then insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended frame side members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the IGU, act as thermal insulation barriers by extending above the glazing, and maintain a compact overall structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate insulation components, thereby simplifying the overall device despite the extended frame geometry.
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 design increases light influx and improves the view by minimizing obstructions, enhances insulation by optimizing the IGU's position for better thermal performance, and allows for a more compact window structure with reduced material needs, thus lowering costs and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an Insulating Glazing Unit (IGU) having multiple layers of glazing
Implementation Method 2
a weather shield without a sealed gas-filled spacing between the weather shield and the IGU
Data Source
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AI summary
A skylight window for being installed in a roof of a building, the skylight window comprisinga window frame having four frame side members defining an inner opening and each frame member having an inner side facing the inner opening and an outer side facing in an opposite direction of the inner side, a window sash supporting an Insulating Glazing Unit ,IGU, said window sash being movable in relation to the window frame between an open and a closed position of the skylight window, wherein a first peripheral side of the IGU extends from an interior major surface to an exterior major surface of the IGU and wherein, in the closed position of the skylight window, a first distance from the first peripheral side of the IGU in an outwards direction away from the inner opening of the frame towards the inner side of the first frame side member, is 20mm or less.