Thermal Insulating Roof Hatch Frame with Hinged Casement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof hatches and exit solutions fail to provide adequate thermal insulation without thermal bridges, compromising both thermal efficiency and mechanical strength, and often require extensive welding which complicates manufacturing and safety.

Innovation Solution

A thermal insulating door or window design featuring a combined frame with a peripheral base frame and linked frame, a casement with a thermal insulating insert, and hinges allowing a 110° angle rotation, eliminating direct contact between the fixed casing and casement, and utilizing elastic insulation and gas springs for enhanced sealing and mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal fasteners are used to fasten metal elements together, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to thermal bridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate insulating element between metal fasteners that connect metal elements. This intermediary component prevents direct thermal contact between metal parts while maintaining the mechanical fastening function, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining metal fasteners with insulating material layers. The insulating element is integrated into the fastening system, creating a composite joint that provides both mechanical connection and thermal break functionality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If extensive welding is used to connect frame elements, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces welding (a thermal joining process) with mechanical fastening systems using insulating fasteners. This substitution eliminates the complexity and safety concerns associated with welding operations while maintaining adequate mechanical strength through the combined fastening and insulating elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the connection system into separate functional components: mechanical fastening elements and insulating elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the complications of integrated welding, simplifying manufacturing and inspection processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If insulation elements are added between fixed casing and casement, then thermal insulation is improved, but mechanical strength and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the insulating elements to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing thermal insulation and acting as structural connection elements. The insulating fasteners both thermally isolate the metal components and mechanically secure the casement to the fixed casing, eliminating the need to compromise structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design achieves a thermal bridge-free connection with improved mechanical strength, ensuring effective thermal insulation, ease of manufacture, and compliance with safety and fire protection regulations.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal insulation arranged between the combined frame and the casement is formed as at least one elastic insulation running along the entire length of the casement frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a casement (2) rotatably connected to the fixed casing (1) via hinges (23) defining a rotation axis (26) for rotation of the casement (2) between an open position and a closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

the fixed casing (1) and casement (2) have a locking mechanism securing the casement (2) in the closed position when it is folded over the fixed casing (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4251820B1A thermal insulating door or window, in particular roof hatch
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 STAL WEST ZRT
  • EP4251820B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4251820B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

A door or window that can be used especially as a roof hatch comprises a fixed frame (1 ) made of a base frame part (3) and a linked frame part (4). A heat insulator is connected to the inner side of a cover (9) facing the external environment of the casement (2), the cover (9) includes a cover insert (10) and a casement frame (11 ) connected to the cover (9) and surrounding the thermal insulating cover insert (10), where both the linked frame part (4) and the casement frame (11 ) have at least three air chamber structures, and for the linked frame part (4) and the casement frame (11 ) fixed frames (1 ) and casements (2) of commercially available prefabricated plastic doors and windows are used. The casement (2) can be easily removed and installed in a defined range of opening angles by hinges (23) that enable separation of the casement (2) in a direction perpendicular to its axis of rotation.