Ventilated skylight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Residential sheds lack effective ventilation solutions that prevent moisture buildup and water ingress while also allowing for natural light, as existing passive vents are either inefficient or costly to manufacture and install.
Innovation Solution
A ventilated skylight with a base member secured to the shed roof using a single external flange and fasteners, featuring upright slots for air circulation and a translucent cap member to allow sunlight in, which also prevents rainwater entry and eliminates the need for an internal flange, using a gasket for sealing from the outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a clear piece of plastic is placed in the roof to allow light, then illumination is improved, but water leakage risk increases and ventilation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The skylight is divided into two functional parts: a cap member for light transmission and a base member for ventilation and sealing. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system that prevents water leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the base member and the roof, and another gasket between the cap member and base member. These intermediary elements effectively prevent water leakage while allowing light and air to pass through the designated openings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive vents with multiple components are used to prevent water ingress, then water protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into two main components: the base member integrates ventilation slots, external flange, and sealing surfaces; the cap member integrates light transmission, rain diversion, and internal sealing. This merging reduces component count while maintaining water protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member serves multiple functions: providing ventilation through slots, sealing to the roof via external flange and gasket, and supporting the cap member. The cap member also serves multiple functions: allowing light transmission, preventing rainwater entry through its overhang, and sealing to the base member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If an internal flange is used to secure the skylight, then installation from inside is simplified, but the inner surface becomes cluttered and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the flange on the inside of the shed, the flange is inverted to the outside of the roof. This allows fasteners to be installed from the inside through the roof material, securing the skylight without requiring internal flange structures that would clutter the shed interior.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilated skylight for a shed enclosure. The ventilated skylight formed from a base member securable to the roof of a residential shed. The base member has a flange for receipt of a gasket for securement directly to the shed roof. Upright walls of the base member include a plurality of slots constructed and arranged to allow air to circulate through the shed. A cap member is securable to the base member with side walls to prevent rain water from entering the vertical slots. In a preferred embodiment, the cap member is made of a translucent material to allow light to illuminate the inside of the shed enclosure.