Skylight Vent Cover with Spaced Panels for Light Blocking and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skylights lack a solution to block direct light passage while allowing airflow, which disrupts sleep during early morning hours, especially in summer when sunlight can be disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A skylight vent cover with various embodiments, including single flat, tiered, and non-planar panels, that are spaced away from the skylight to allow airflow while blocking direct light, using attachments like Velcro or magnets for installation and featuring reflective surfaces for light deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a soft cushion-like device is stuffed into the skylight opening to block light passage, then light blocking is improved, but airflow through the skylight is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cover is divided into multiple panels with spaces between them, allowing light to be blocked while air can flow through the gaps. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by separating the light-blocking function from the airflow function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent cover panels are positioned at an offset distance from the skylight opening, creating a three-dimensional space between the cover and the opening. This dimensional offset allows light to be blocked by the panels while air can flow through the covered opening, resolving the contradiction between light blocking and airflow.
2Productivity
If the skylight is opened to provide ventilation, then airflow is improved, but direct light passage into the interior occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The vent cover uses multiple segmented panels with spaces between them. When installed, these panels block direct light paths while maintaining openings for air flow, resolving the contradiction between ventilation and light blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent cover panels act as an intermediary structure between the skylight opening and the interior space. They mediate by blocking direct light transmission while permitting air passage, thus resolving the contradiction between light blocking and ventilation.
3Illumination intensity
If a single flat opaque sheet is installed close to the skylight to block light, then light blocking is improved, but airflow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single flat sheet, the invention uses multiple panels with spaces between them. This segmentation allows light to be blocked by the panels while air can flow through the gaps, resolving the contradiction between light blocking and airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are positioned at an offset distance from the skylight opening, creating a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows the panels to block light effectively while maintaining sufficient space for air flow, resolving the contradiction between light blocking and ventilation.
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
Effectively blocks direct light passage while maintaining airflow, enhancing comfort by preventing sleep disruption and allowing ventilation, with embodiments offering flexibility in design and installation.
Implementation Method 1
The upper surface or surfaces of the panel or panels can be provided with a reflective surface to further deflect light and heat
Data Source
AI summary
The skylight vent cover is installed immediately beneath the existing skylight in the ceiling of a structure, e.g., motorhomes, cabin boats, etc. The vent cover includes one or more opaque panels that are spaced away from the overlying structure to substantially block light passage while allowing airflow between the panel(s) and overlying structure. Some embodiments have a single planar or non-planar panel. Other embodiments have a plurality of tiered panels. The upper surface(s) of the panel(s) can have a reflective coating thereon to reflect light and heat from the skylight and vent. Various attachments can be provided, e.g., mating hook and loop material, magnets, hinge and latch, etc. In all embodiments, the panel is spaced away from the overlying ceiling structure, and in the case of multiple panel embodiments, the panels are spaced apart from one another to provide good ventilation and airflow therebetween.