Skylight Window Layout for Better Insulation and Daylight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylight windows, particularly those installed on flat roofs, suffer from poor insulation properties, limited light inflow, and visibility due to their installation method, which exposes a significant portion to the environment and includes additional glazing layers that lengthen the light path.
Innovation Solution
A skylight window design with a detachable weather shield and a mounting system that positions the Insulating Glazing Unit (IGU) below the roof mounting surface, enhancing insulation and allowing better light inflow, while using a transparent weather shield pane and optional thermal breaks for improved thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat-roof skylight windows are installed resting on top of the roof structure, then the window is easily installed and accessible, but the insulation properties of the finished roof structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing the skylight window resting on top of the roof structure (conventional approach), the invention inverts the installation approach by positioning the IGU below the roof mounting surface, integrating it into the roof structure. This inversion resolves the contradiction by achieving both good insulation (IGU embedded in roof) and installation feasibility (mounting elements attach to roof structure).
Solution Approach 2:
The IGU is nested within the roof structure by positioning it below the roof mounting surface, with mounting elements attaching the window portion to the roof structure. This nesting approach allows the skylight to be integrated into the roof rather than sitting on top, improving insulation while maintaining installation ease through the mounting element system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a dome-shaped weather shield is attached to the skylight, then the sash and frame are protected from weather, but the light path length increases and light inflow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weather shield from the conventional dome shape and repositions it as a separate component (shield portion) that can be transparent. By taking out the dome shape and replacing it with a flatter shield design, the light path is shortened while weather protection is maintained through the transparent material and strategic positioning above the IGU.
Solution Approach 2:
The weather shield is made transparent (changing from conventional opaque or translucent dome material) to allow maximum light transmission. This material property change resolves the contradiction by providing both weather protection (through the shield structure) and high light inflow (through transparency).
3Loss of energy
If multiple layers of glazing are used in the IGU, then insulation performance is improved, but the light path becomes longer and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the parameters of the IGU by using exactly two layers of glazing (not more), with specific spacing and transparent material properties. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving sufficient insulation with minimal light path length, maintaining both energy efficiency and visibility.
4Device complexity
If the IGU is positioned above the roof mounting surface, then the window structure is simplified, but the insulation properties of the finished roof structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional positioning by placing the IGU below the roof mounting surface rather than above it. This inversion requires mounting elements to attach the window portion to the roof structure, but achieves superior insulation by embedding the IGU within the roof structure, resolving the contradiction between structure complexity and insulation performance.
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
The design improves insulation by utilizing the IGU's insulating properties effectively and enhances light inflow and visibility by optimizing the window's positioning and structure, providing better thermal efficiency and daylight penetration.
Implementation Method 1
The interior major surface of the IGU is located below the roof mounting surface of the mounting element when seen in the height direction... the insulation properties are improved
Data Source
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AI summary
A skylight window for being installed in an inclined roof of a building, beneath the roof mounting surface of said inclined roof. The skylight comprising a window frame, potentially a sash, an Insulating Glazing Unit ,IGU, a weather shield (3) comprising a weather shield pane positioned on an exterior side of the IGU, at least one mounting element attached to the outer side of a first frame side and comprising a roof mounting surface for mounting the skylight window to an exterior support surface of a load bearing structure of the inclined roof, and wherein the interior major surface of the IGU is located below the roof mounting surface of the mounting element when seen in the height direction.