Skylight Safety Net Between Shells for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylights lack effective and durable solutions for preventing falls through the dome, as previous safety measures either obstruct light transmission, require significant space, or are prone to embrittlement, and existing solutions are costly and complex to install.
Innovation Solution
A skylight design featuring a deformable safety net integrated between two shells, anchored by a frame with spaced-apart receptacles, allowing controlled deformation to distribute dynamic loads and prevent falls without additional space or light obstruction, using a durable and corrosion-resistant mesh.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external safety devices such as grids or bars are arranged above or below the skylight dome, then fall protection is provided, but the devices take up significant space, reduce light transmission, and complicate installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The safety net is nested within the skylight dome structure itself, specifically in the space between the upper and lower shells. This internal placement eliminates the need for external safety devices, freeing up space around the dome while maintaining fall protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing safety devices in the vertical space above or below the dome, the solution moves the safety function into the horizontal dimension by utilizing the inter-shell space. This dimensional shift allows fall protection without compromising external space or light transmission.
2Reliability
If thick polycarbonate panes are used below the bottom shell to prevent falls, then fall protection is achieved, but light transmission is significantly reduced and the structure becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible safety net made of thin material is used instead of thick rigid polycarbonate panes. This thin film approach provides fall protection while maintaining light transmission, as the net is sufficiently transparent to allow light passage while being strong enough to prevent falls.
3Reliability
If permanent external safety devices are installed, then fall protection is provided, but the devices are exposed to weather, require frequent checking and replacement, and increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The safety net is merged with the skylight dome structure by integrating it between the upper and lower shells. This combination means the safety device shares the same service life and durability characteristics as the dome itself, eliminating the need for separate weather-resistant construction and maintenance cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated safety net benefits from the self-protective qualities of the dome structure. Since the net is protected within the enclosed space between shells, it is shielded from direct weather exposure, reducing degradation and extending service life without requiring additional protective measures.
4Reliability
If safety devices are arranged externally, then fall protection is provided, but ventilation and fire smoke devices cannot be installed or operated properly
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the safety function to the inter-shell space, the external dimensions and operational clearance around the dome are freed up. This allows ventilation and fire smoke devices to be installed and operated without interference from safety structures.
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 solution provides reliable and long-lasting fall protection without obstructing light or ventilation, is easy to upgrade, and maintains the structural integrity of the skylight, ensuring safety without additional costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the dynamic load in the event of a fall into the dome is absorbed by controlled deformation of the mounting frame
Implementation Method 2
The fastening frame is designed to deform in a controlled manner upon impact, absorbing the dynamic forces generated by a fall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The dome (1) has two shells (2, 2`) arranged one above the other, where edges of the shells are attached to an attachment collar (3). A net (7) is arranged between the shells, where the net is attached at the dome in a region between the shell edges. A frame that runs sectionally along the shell edges is embedded with retainers between the shell edges. The net exhibits a thick seam (8) at its circumference, where the seam lies undetachably in a gap between the shell edges.