Integrated Insulating Block and Sash Frame Seal for Skylight Thermal Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof windows lack consistent tightness and effective thermal insulation while being costly to produce.

Innovation Solution

A roof window design featuring an insulating block integrated with the sash frame seal, which extends into the air gap between the window and sash frames, providing enhanced thermal insulation and simplified assembly, and a weather-resistant surface layer for improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate insulating block and sash frame seal are used, then assembly is more complex, but manufacturing precision can be improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidseal tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating block and sash frame seal are merged into a single integrated component. The insulating block is formed as an integral part of the sash frame seal, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining both thermal insulation function and sealing function. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving both simplified assembly and consistent manufacturing precision through a unified production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, seals the air gap between window frame and sash frame, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, thereby simplifying assembly while ensuring consistent performance across all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If traditional separate components are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal insulation is less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the insulating block and sash frame seal into one integrated component, the patent achieves better thermal insulation performance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The integration ensures optimal positioning and contact between the insulating material and the sealing function, eliminating gaps that would occur with separate components, thereby reducing energy loss without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component utilizes composite material construction, combining sealing material with insulating material in a unified structure. This allows the component to deliver both sealing and thermal insulation functions with enhanced effectiveness, while the integrated production process avoids the need for additional assembly operations that would increase manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the sash frame seal does not overlap the window frame member, then air gap sealing is insufficient, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetightnessVSAvoidseal configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the insulating block into the sash frame seal creates a unified structure that naturally achieves the required overlap with the window frame member. The single integrated component is designed to extend and overlap the window frame member, ensuring consistent sealing contact and reliable tightness without requiring complex multi-component configurations or additional sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated insulating block significantly improves thermal insulation and weather resistance, achieving excellent tightness and cost-effectiveness in production.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating block arranged between the window frame and the sash frame and engaging in the air gap for thermally insulating the skylight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3299568B1Skylight
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP3299568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3299568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3299568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a roof window (1) with a frame (2) and a sash (4) which is movable relative to the frame (2) and carries a glazing (6). The glazing (6) is supported on a sash frame member (5) of the sash (4), on which a sash frame seal (12) is arranged to bridge an air gap (10) between the frame (2) and the sash (4). When the roof window (1) is closed, the sash frame seal, in cross-section, overlaps at least partially a frame frame member (3) of the frame (2). It is provided that an insulating block (18) arranged between the frame (2) and the sash (4), which engages in the air gap (10), is integrally formed with the sash frame seal (12) for thermal insulation of the roof window (1).