A window having interchangeable interface means and a method of providing a window

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windows lack flexibility in adapting to varying climate conditions, particularly in regions with substantial seasonal changes, as they often fail to provide optimal sound, thermal, and moisture insulation, and ventilation options, especially when traditional opening methods are not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A window design featuring interchangeable climate-regulating interface means with ventilation and insulation properties, including mechanical ventilation options and insulating materials, which can be easily customized and mounted on internal or external frames, providing adjustable cross-sectional flow areas and enhanced insulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed window designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different climate conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to climate conditionsVSAvoidwindow structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window is divided into a fixed frame structure and interchangeable interface means that can be detached and replaced. The interface means includes mounting means for attachment to the frame and climate regulating elements that can be swapped based on seasonal or climatic requirements, allowing the window to adapt without redesigning the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed with universal mounting means that can accommodate multiple types of interface means. The same frame can support different climate regulating elements (insulation elements, ventilation elements, sealing elements) through standardized mounting mechanisms, enabling one frame to serve multiple climate adaptation functions.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable interface means are added to provide climate regulation, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizability of insulation and ventilationVSAvoidease of installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting means are pre-configured on the frame with standardized attachment points, recesses, and engagement features. Interface means are designed with corresponding pre-formed mounting features that align with the frame, allowing users to install or replace climate regulating elements without complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting means act as an intermediary mechanism between the frame and interchangeable interface means. This standardized interface includes mounting plates, recesses, or engagement features that simplify the connection process, allowing different climate regulating elements to be attached to the same frame through a uniform, easy-to-operate mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ventilation passages are integrated into interface means, then ventilation functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation capabilityVSAvoidprecision of ventilation passage integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation functionality is segmented into separate ventilation passages that are integrated within the interchangeable interface means rather than the frame itself. Each interface means can contain pre-formed ventilation passages with specific cross-sectional areas (e.g., 5-35 cm²), allowing precise ventilation control to be achieved through the modular interface element without requiring high-precision integration into the main frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different interface means can be manufactured with varying ventilation passage parameters (cross-sectional area, number of passages, passage geometry) to meet different ventilation requirements. The frame's mounting means remain standardized, while the interchangeable interface means allow parameter changes in ventilation characteristics by simply swapping elements rather than remanufacturing the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 window design offers improved climate regulation, allowing for customizable insulation and ventilation, enhancing indoor comfort by adapting to different climate conditions and user needs, even after installation, while maintaining structural strength and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

ventilation means include at least one ventilation passage extending from a first face of the interface means to a second face of the interface means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVentilation passage:

Implementation Method 2

interface means comprise climate regulating elements that provide sound insulation and/or thermal insulation and/or moisture insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

interface means comprise climate regulating elements that provide sound insulation and/or thermal insulation and/or moisture insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound insulation: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 4

interface means comprise climate regulating elements that provide sound insulation and/or thermal insulation and/or moisture insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture insulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2615236B1A window having interchangeable interface means and a method of providing a window
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2615236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2615236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2615236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a window, such as a roof window or skylight, and a method of providing such a window, comprising a frame (1), a sash (29), a cladding (20-25) and a pane (28), and also comprising interface means (5, 105; 15, 17, 18; 105; 205; 58) for positioning along a circumference of the window, the interface means being adapted to be positioned on the frame, the sash and/or the cladding, where the interface means comprise climate regulating elements that provide sound insulation and/or thermal insulation and/or moisture insulation, and the interface means are immediately interchangeable with other interface means.