Supplemental Window Air Gap Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supplemental window solutions face challenges in minimizing heat transfer while maintaining optical transparency, operability, and aesthetics, often requiring customization and hindering the reuse of insulating materials.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental window system comprising a frame with a plastic sheet and an attachment mechanism that traps a volume of air between the window pane and the sheet, optimizing the air gap for thermal insulation without impeding window operation and allowing for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If supplemental window elements are added to minimize heat transfer, then thermal insulation is improved, but the operability of the existing window is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental window is divided into separate components: a frame structure, plastic sheet material, attachment mechanisms, and seal elements. This segmentation allows the insulating layer to be installed independently without interfering with the operational components of the original window, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation improvement and window operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental window acts as an intermediary insulating layer positioned between the interior space and the original window. This intermediate structure provides thermal insulation while allowing the original window to maintain its full operability, as the supplemental elements attach to the window frame rather than blocking moving parts.
2Loss of energy
If window films are mounted to create an insulating layer, then thermal insulation is improved, but the dimension of the dead air space is constrained by existing window features
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental window frame is designed as a universal structure that can be adapted to various window sizes and configurations. The frame accommodates different air space dimensions (0.15 to 0.75 inches) while maintaining effective thermal insulation, allowing the same basic design to work across different window types without being constrained by specific window features.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows flexibility in the air space dimension parameter, optimizing it within the range of 0.15 to 0.75 inches for maximum insulating effectiveness. This parameter can be adjusted based on specific installation requirements while maintaining the overall functionality and thermal performance of the supplemental window system.
3Loss of energy
If supplemental window elements are customized to each window dimensions, then fit and insulation effectiveness are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental window is designed as a universal product with standardized frame dimensions, attachment mechanisms, and seal configurations that can be applied to various window sizes. This universality simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for custom fabrication for each window, while still achieving effective thermal insulation through proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than fully customizing each supplemental window element to match every window dimension, the design uses standardized components that provide sufficient insulation effectiveness across a range of window sizes. This partial customization approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the necessary 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 system effectively minimizes heat transfer, retains transparency, is cost-effective, and maintains window operability, providing energy efficiency improvements during both heating and cooling seasons.
Implementation Method 1
A seal attached to the frame functions to trap a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material
Implementation Method 2
The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of trapped air is of an optimum thickness of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties
Data Source
AI summary
A supplemental window for fenestration suitable for use with existing windows. The supplemental window, in one embodiment, comprises a frame with plastic sheet material stretched across it. An attachment mechanism secured to the frame functions to fasten the supplemental window to an existing window. The attachment mechanism can be a suction cup or adhesive for example. A seal attached to the frame functions to trap a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material. An aesthetic covering and draft inhibiting mechanism are also provided. The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of trapped air is of an optimum thickness of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties of the supplemental window.