Thermally Decoupled Skylight Upstand Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upstands or frames for skylight flaps and smoke extraction devices on flat roofs suffer from inadequate thermal insulation, particularly at the contact areas, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermally decoupled upstand or frame design featuring a plastic hollow profile that forms a thermally separated support, which is clipped onto the U-shaped metal support, providing insulation and preventing condensation by covering the metallic areas and ensuring a continuous thermal barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame construction is used for the upstand, then structural strength and stability are improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to metal conductivity causing cold bridges and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
A plastic hollow profile is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal frame and the interior space. This plastic component acts as a thermal breaker that interrupts the cold bridge formed by the continuous metal construction, preventing condensation while maintaining structural integrity through the combination of metal strength and plastic insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstand construction combines metal strips for structural framework with plastic hollow profile for thermal insulation. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both materials: metal provides mechanical strength and stability, while plastic provides thermal insulation and prevents condensation, creating a thermally decoupled upstand system.
2Loss of energy
If extensive insulation measures are applied to the upstand, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is segmented into a separate, modular plastic hollow profile component rather than being integrated into the metal frame itself. This allows the insulation element to be manufactured independently using cost-effective plastic extrusion processes and then attached to the metal upstand, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while achieving effective thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic hollow profile serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary component that combines insulation functionality with ease of installation. By using a standardized plastic profile with attachment mechanisms (such as clipping or screwing systems), the solution avoids complex custom insulation applications while delivering effective thermal 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 solution enhances thermal insulation, reduces manufacturing costs, and prevents discontinuities in the critical contact areas, improving the overall performance and energy efficiency of the skylight and smoke extraction systems.
Implementation Method 1
the plastic hollow profile is arranged pointing outwards and covers the support across the board... this results in a thermally separated support area in the upper area, which prevents a discontinuity here in particular
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting frame or a frame (1) for a hinged skylight, flap and/or smoke extraction device (2) comprising a frame or mounting frame (3) made of sheet metal with insulation (4), which is arranged on a roof surface, preferably a flat roof, wherein the frame (3) is assembled from formed sheet metal strips (5) to form a rectangular frame, and wherein the individual formed sheet metal strip (5) has a horizontally oriented roof leg (6) resting on the roof surface, to which a frame leg (7) angled at a slope is attached, at the upper end of which a support (8) for the skylight (2) is provided, which is formed from a downwardly open U (9).In order to form a thermally separated support (8) for the skylight, flap or smoke extraction device (2), a hollow profile (10) made of plastic is provided on the support (8) for the skylight (2) of the shaped sheet metal strip (5).