Profiled Frame for Skylight Integration in Self-Supporting Panel Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of skylights or windows into self-supporting flat panel roofs is costly and complex due to the need for dedicated designs that compromise thermal and sound insulation, as existing methods require significant modifications to the sealing and insulation characteristics of the panels.
Innovation Solution
A device that integrates a translucent panel with a profiled frame, utilizing the existing self-supporting panel connection system and water evacuation channels to simplify the integration process, ensuring improved sealing and maintaining the roof's slope without the need for a thick frame, by using preformed grooves and keys to direct water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specially designed frame is used to ensure watertightness of the opening, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the profiled frame compatible with both the translucent panel and the existing self-supporting panel connection system. The frame includes grooves that receive keys, which are the same keys used to connect self-supporting panels. This allows the frame to serve multiple functions: supporting the translucent panel, connecting to the roof structure, and managing water drainage, thereby reducing the need for specialized complex sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies self-service by utilizing the existing water drainage keys and grooves from the self-supporting panel system to handle water management for the opening. The profiled frame incorporates these same keys, allowing water to be directed through the existing drainage pathway without requiring additional specialized sealing or drainage components for the opening.
2Reliability
If traditional opening integration methods are used, then watertightness is maintained, but thermal and sound insulation properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing and water management functions at specific locations: the interface between the profiled frame and self-supporting panels. The profiled frame's grooves and keys provide localized sealing and drainage at the critical joint areas, while the rest of the system maintains the original insulation properties of the self-supporting panels without requiring widespread modifications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a thick frame is used to support the translucent panel, then structural stability is improved, but the roof slope is compromised and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support function into multiple discrete connection points using keys fitted into grooves, rather than requiring a continuous thick frame. The profiled frame is segmented into sections that connect to individual self-supporting panels through keys, providing structural stability through distributed point connections rather than a massive continuous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies copying by replicating the connection geometry and water drainage pathway of the self-supporting panel system in the profiled frame. The frame's grooves and keys are designed to match the existing panel connection system, allowing the frame to be integrated without requiring a different, thicker structural approach.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing connection systems are utilized, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water drainage capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the structural support function and the water drainage function into a single integrated system. The profiled frame uses the same keys and grooves for both supporting the translucent panel and directing water away from the opening. This merges previously separate functions (structural support and water management) into one unified solution that simplifies manufacture while maintaining drainage capability.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of installing openings in self-supporting panel roofs by leveraging the existing fixing and sealing system, ensuring effective water management and maintaining the roof's slope while minimizing the frame's width and material usage, thus preserving luminosity and reducing material and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
These panels are assembled using at least one joining element called a key. To achieve this, the parallel edges of two panels to be joined are pre-formed with a longitudinal groove. This key is fitted into these grooves to create the connection.
Implementation Method 2
This gutter directs the collected water towards the lower edge of the roof.
Implementation Method 3
The 2% slope is guaranteed for water drainage because the frame rests on the roof which adopts this slope and uses keys which also follow this slope.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (D) for integrating an opening of the type formed of at least one translucent panel (400) supported by a profiled frame (300) integrated into a roof (100) formed of self-supporting panels (100a, 100b, 100c) comprising parallel edges pre-formed with at least one groove in which is housed at least one connecting key (C) and forming a channel for evacuating water infiltrated between the self-supporting panels (100a, 100b, 100c). The device is remarkable in that the profiled frame (300) framing the translucent panel (400) includes - a portion (310) bearing against the roof, and - a portion (320) pre-formed with at least one groove (330, 340) into which the said connecting key (C) is fitted so that the connection between the profiled frame (300) and the key (C) reproduces the connection and the flow of water proposed between self-supporting panels (100a, 100b, 100c).Applications: integration of an opening in a roof made of self-supporting panels.