Movement mechanism derived from Sama dance in the building's movable facade system
The Sama dance-inspired mechanism addresses the need for visible rotational motion in movable facades by using fixed-length rods and a central servomotor, achieving energy-efficient and aesthetically harmonious facade adjustments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- IR · IR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing movable facade systems in buildings lack a mechanism that provides rotational motion visible on the facade, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and efficiently responding to environmental changes for energy optimization and user comfort.
A Sama dance-inspired mechanism with fixed-length rods connected by ball and socket joints, driven by a central servomotor, enabling rotational motion of triangular panels in response to environmental sensors, enhancing thermal and visual comfort.
The mechanism provides synchronized, rhythmic, and aesthetically pleasing rotational movements, improving energy efficiency and user comfort by adjusting to environmental conditions, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
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Abstract
Description
Description of the invention Title of the invention Movement mechanism derived from Sama dance in the building's movable facade system Technical background of the relevant invention The technical field of this invention is related to the movement mechanism of adaptable facades (moving facades), which, inspired by the twisting of special clothes in the Sama dance, creates a special harmony and beauty in the movement of building facade panels. Technical problem and stating the objectives of the invention Movable facades are flexible and adaptable systems that can dynamically and intelligently respond to environmental changes and ensure energy consumption optimization by precisely adjusting the building facade, while maintaining the thermal and visual comfort of users. The movable facade system fulfills this task with the help of data taken from various environmental sensors (temperature, light, radiation, etc.) and relying on control algorithms. In addition to how movable facades function, the type of movement mechanism is also very important because it determines how the panels in the facade change shape, and this is the issue that this invention addresses. In this regard, there are various mechanisms that often follow patterns such as driven cylinders, magnetic systems, electropneumatic cylinders, memory alloys, and chemical systems. Driven and electropneumatic cylinder systems mainly provide linear movements and are placed hidden within the facade structure. On the other hand, magnetic systems lack the necessary force for traction and pressure and require a secondary actuator. Memory alloy systems, in addition to requiring a secondary actuator, are also very expensive and are not common. Chemical systems, in addition to requiring constant maintenance and constant exposure to sunlight, also take up a lot of space. It should also be noted that all of these systems are used in facade modules in such a way that they are hidden from view and do not harm the beauty of the building facade. The present invention focuses on designing a type of motion mechanism for adaptive movable facades that is inspired by the twisting of a special costume in the Sama dance and is therefore called the "Sama dance motion mechanism". The purpose of this invention is to provide twisting or rotational motion with an aesthetic approach. This mechanism directly enables torsional motion and, unlike other motion mechanisms, is fully visible on the building facade and even provides part of the facade's aesthetics by providing coordinated and rhythmic rotational movements. Also, this system, like other adaptive movable facades, is able to adjust the building shell in response to different climatic conditions by utilizing data from environmental sensors. The Sama dance mechanism can be proposed as an innovative and practical solution in the field of architectural engineering. A description of the state of the prior art and the history of developments related to the claimed invention. According to the studies conducted in patent databases and international articles, a series of movable facade systems and motion conversion mechanisms have been published. In order to review the research background, two fields have been studied, one is movable building facades and the other is the field of industrial machines. In the industrial field, the Gough-Stewart control-driven platform is the closest structure to the claimed mechanism. Many articles and patents have addressed the optimal design of this platform. For example, Zhu et al in the article https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / s22072523 examined the optimal design of the above platform for a six-degree-of-freedom robot and its function in machine vision. In this article, each arm changes its length by means of linear actuators and moves the movable plate in different directions and angles. In an invention called 6-PSS parallel mechanism and numbered CN108161896B in 2017, a mechanism consisting of six arms with variable lengths has been designed using the same technique using a robot, and this change in length causes the displacement of the upper plate in such a way that the arms act between two plates (the base and the movable platform) and each arm is controlled by a separate actuator.Another invention, named Parallel mechanism based automated fiber placement system and numbered US10414042B2 in 2016, using manufacturing machinery, also uses four arms similar to the previous patent, which actually work to follow complex paths with high precision. The length of these arms can also be changed, and each has an independent driving force. As research shows, these platforms have a clear difference from the Sama dance mechanism, the most important of which is that in the Sama dance mechanism, firstly, the length of the rods is fixed, secondly, all the arms rotate by a central plate and do not have an independent driving force, and finally, the operation of the Sama dance mechanism is very simple and is used in the field of architecture. Several projects have been evaluated in the field of moving building facades. For example, the Institute du Monde Arab building, 1987, is known as one of the first and most iconic examples of a moving facade in the world. The facade of this building is made up of square panels, each panel containing a number of triangular blades similar to a camera aperture. The movement of these apertures is controlled by electromechanical mechanisms and small gears located in the center of each panel. The outer shell of the EWE Arena building, 2005, consists of large photovoltaic panels that can be moved by electromechanical actuators and a gearbox on a rail around the building facade by rollers. This floating shell follows the path of the sun with its sliding movement and, in addition to controlling the amount of light entering, also generates electricity. In another project called Kiefer Technic Showroom, 2007, movable panels in three dimensions are designed on the front of the building's facade. These panels can be simultaneously folded and changed position by moving on a vertical rail installed on the facade using electric motors; in other words, the system has the ability to change angle and displacement. The facade of the House at the Milsertor, 2008, is made up of 1,500 hinged folding panels. These panels also slide on rails mounted on the facade. In the Manitoba Hydro 2009 building, the dynamic skin of the facade controls the amount of air flow and sunlight through its motorized louvers. These louvers open and close on hinges. Similarly, in the Thyssen Krupp Cube, Q1, 2010, three different geometric shapes, including triangular, rectangular, and trapezoidal blades, are embedded in the facade of the building, which rotate around fixed vertical axes and change their position based on the angle of sunlight. Small electric motors control the blades. The facade of the twin towers of the AL Bahar Towers 2012 is composed of triangular umbrella units, or folding umbrellas. Each unit is retracted or extended by a linear actuator in response to light. In the Sharifi House project in Tehran, 2013, the building facade is composed of cubic sections, each of which can be rotated by a rotating axis with a powerful geared motor. In fact, each cube is attached to an independent steel structure that is connected to the main rotating axis at two points (top and bottom). This axis allows the cubic volume to rotate about 90 degrees (i.e. between open and closed positions). The facade of the SDU Campus, 2014, is composed of several groups of triangular perforated aluminum panels, each of which can be opened or closed to control the light and heat entering the building. The movement of the panels is rotational around a vertical axis. Each group of panels is controlled by a linear motor that translates the rotational motion into the rotation of the axis. The panels respond to the position of the sun, temperature, and wind and are able to rotate between zero and 90 degrees. In an invention with registration number 103645 in 2010, he used wooden lattice structures in the building shell that are made up of profiles with circular geometry and rotate around the center of the circle, causing the curtains to open and close. This structure is connected by gears and belts used inside these profiles and is rotated back and forth by two motors, causing the curtains to open and close. In another invention with registration number 81121, he designed screens that can be opened and closed with the help of sensors and solar energy, using origami geometry and inspired by traditional Bushehr screens. In another patent, registered number 91211 in 2016, a movable shell on a building that uses wind and solar energy has been introduced. Each of the modules has the ability to rotate 360 degrees using wind power. It is also possible to install solar cell panels and solar lamps on the panels of each of the modules to provide lighting in the shell. In another patent, US120337785B2 in 2024, a movable facade is designed in which the facade parts are assembled by piston movement and simultaneously rotated by a servomotor, thus controlling the amount of light entering the interior. In patent number US20180119481A1 in 2018, lamellas in the second skin of the building are designed that can be opened and closed by moving around their hinge axis. Almost similarly, in patent number US20250279745A1 in 2025, panels are embedded in the facade that can rotate around a carrier connected to a motor and control the amount of light entering. In another patent number US20170261234A1 in 2017, panels are embedded in the facade that can be folded and moved with the help of the movement of a set of gears. Based on the review of patents, construction projects, and other sources, a unified kinematic arrangement similar to the Sama dance mechanism, i.e. a rotating central hexagonal plate with a fixed-length rod connected to each vertex by ball and socket joints, which causes the opening and closing of the triangular panels of the facade, was not observed. Therefore, the specific combination of the aforementioned elements and its application in the form of a movable facade module of the building is proposed as the main mechanical innovation of this application. Providing a solution to an existing technical problem along with an accurate, sufficient, and integrated description of the invention This invention relates to a movement mechanism in a building's movable facade system, which was designed with inspiration from the "twisting of a special shirt in the Sama dance." The shirt for the Sama dance is long, but when the person turns around, the shirt also wraps around the person and is pulled up, making the person appear shorter (Figure 1). This change in height was the main criterion in designing the movement mechanism in this invention, so that this change in height due to twisting creates a force in a linear direction and can do work. The main purpose of this mechanism is to provide the possibility of twisting movement and, as a result, coordinated and rhythmic movements of the panels in the building facade and provide an aesthetic sense. On the other hand, the overall function of this system is to ensure the responsiveness of the building shell to changes in environmental factors such as sunlight intensity and temperature; in such a way that by opening and closing the facade panels, while improving thermal and visual comfort in the interior space, it also reduces energy consumption (Figure 2). A detailed description of this invention is given below. 1- How the Sama dance mechanism works The Sama dance mechanism consists of six main rods (piece number 2 in Figure 3) that are connected by ball and socket joints (piece number 5 in Figure 3) to a central hexagonal plate (piece number 1 in Figure 3) on one side and to six triangular plates on the building facade (piece number 3 in Figure 3) on the other side. The central hexagonal plate is connected to a servomotor (piece number 6 in Figure 3) on its axis. As the motor rotates, the central hexagonal plate rotates, which causes the rods to rotate and change the multidimensional spatial angle, and as a result, they contract or expand in a spiral. The ball and socket joints provide this change in angle, and therefore no change in length occurs in the rods. If the central hexagonal plate is rotated clockwise, the rods spiral inward, and if it is rotated counterclockwise, the rods spiral outward again. This inward and outward spiraling motion of the rods is the driving force that can pull the triangular plates of the facade inward or outward, respectively (Figure 4).In other words, the strength of this innovation lies in the fact that the spiral movement of the rods exerts force on the triangular plates and causes them to open and close. In the meantime, the angle of the rods with the triangular plates also changes simultaneously, thus enabling the movement of the plates. Here too, the ball and socket joints between the rods and the triangular plates provide this angle change. On the other hand, the triangular plates in the facade are connected to a fixed peripheral frame (piece number 4 in Figure 3) with the help of metal hinges (Figure 5). This frame acts as a support for the plates and forces them to open and close in the direction of a specific axis. On the other hand, the hinges between the triangular plates and the peripheral frame provide the ability to open and close the plates. In other words, the spiral movement of the rods exerts force on the triangular plates connected to the peripheral frame, and as a result, these plates open and close around their metal hinges. When the rods are drawn together, the facade panels close, and when they are spread apart, the facade panels open. The spiral movement of the rods, which is achieved by their rotation around the center of the central hexagonal plate on the one hand, and its synchronism with the opening and closing of the facade panels on the other hand, creates a beautiful visual harmony and coordination in the facade that evokes the dance of Sama in the viewer's mind. This association becomes more colorful when several of these modules are placed together and form the overall structure of the building facade (Figure 2). 2- System components and structure The following describes each component of the movement mechanism of Sama dance. a) Central hexagonal plate: The central plate is a 45 cm diameter hexagonal plate (Figure 6). This plate, which can be made of metal or fiberglass, is connected to a separate rod at each vertex by ball and socket joints at the front, and if connected to a servomotor at the back and in the center, the central plate can be rotated automatically. b) Rods: The main and important part of this mechanism consists of six rods with a fixed length of 76 cm and made of metal or strong PVC with a recommended diameter of 1.5 cm, which connect the central hexagonal plate to the triangular plates of the facade (Figure 7 and Figure 11). These rods have ball and socket joints on both sides. Each of these rods is connected to one of the facade plates on one side and to one of the vertices of the central hexagonal plate on the other. The central plate, by rotating itself, causes the rods to spatially rotate in two directions (changing the angle in the horizontal and vertical axes), and this combined movement causes the entire structure to twist and looks like a spiral movement. c) Triangular facade panels The Sama dance mechanism, on the front side (on the facade side of the building), consists of six triangular plates (piece number 3 in Figure 3 and Figure 8). The material of these plates can be determined depending on the designer's taste, and PTFE sheets are suggested here. These plates are in the form of equilateral triangles 75 cm long, which are connected to the module's peripheral frame on one side by two metal hinges, and on the other two sides they have a gentle curvature to provide greater beauty in the facade (Figure 12). Each of these plates has a ball and socket joint through which they are connected to one of the six rods. The location of these joints on the triangular plates is on the axis of the plates and at a distance of 30 cm from the top of each plate (Figure 8). d) Module environmental frame Each module of this mechanism on the facade side of the building consists of a hexagonal perimeter frame with a diameter of 162 cm (Figure 9), which is connected to one of the triangular panels on each side by metal hinges (Figure 12). This frame acts as a guide and restricts the movement of the panels so that they open and close in a specific curved path. This frame can be made of metal or fiberglass, which is connected to the facade of the building by a network of metal profiles (Figure 13). e) Metal ball and socket joints The metal ball and socket joints in this mechanism allow the rods to rotate in all directions (Figure 10). These joints are the connection between the rods and the central hexagonal plate on the one hand, and the connection between the rods and the triangular face plates on the other (Figure 11). In other words, there is a ball and socket joint on both sides of each rod. Therefore, each module of the Sama dance mechanism requires 12 of these ball and socket joints. In this way, each pair of these joints, located at both ends of each rod, ensures that the axis of rotation from the peripheral frame to the center of the central hexagonal plate remains aligned. f) Hinges connecting the triangular plates to the module's peripheral frame Each of the triangular panels of the facade is connected to one of the sides of the perimeter frame by two metal hinges (with a recommended size of 2.5 - dimensions 38 x 60 mm), at a distance of 35 cm from each other and 17.5 cm from the two ends of each side (Figure 5). These hinges allow the panels to open and close. Each module of this mechanism requires 12 metal hinges. g) Servo motor In this mechanism, by connecting a servomotor to the back of the central hexagonal plate (part number 6 in Figure 3), the process of rotating the central hexagonal plate and consequently opening and closing the triangular plates can be automated. If this motor is connected to a sensor (for example, a light, temperature, radiation sensor or any other type of sensor) and programmed, the present inventive mechanism can work intelligently and without user intervention. The type and power of the motor are determined by the designer based on the characteristics of each project. h) Metal mesh to connect the modules to the building facade Finally, to connect the inventive mechanism to the facade, metal grids must be used. This grid, with the help of horizontal and vertical metal profiles with angled or box sections, can enclose the servo motors as well as the peripheral frames of the mechanism and connect them to the facade of the building (Figure 13). This metal grid can be designed according to the designer's opinion and does not play a role in the functioning of the dance mechanism, but only acts as a support and connection of the mechanism to the facade of the building. 3-Invention innovations The innovations of this invention are as follows: 1) Inspired by the form and movement of the Sama dance: Unlike common linear or hidden mechanisms, this invention is designed based on an artistic and spiritual pattern and recreates rhythmic and harmonious movements in the building's facade. 2) Direct and visible torsional movement in the view: This mechanism directly creates torsional or rotational movement without the need for a secondary actuator; while most existing systems only produce linear movements. 3) Combining aesthetics with technical functionality: Unlike most mechanisms that are hidden inside the structure, this invention forms a visible part of the facade design and acts as an aesthetic element itself. 4) Modular and repeatable structure: Each module is composed of a central hexagonal plate, fixed rods, and hexagonal triangular plates, and can be used repeatedly on the facade surface to create a variety of patterns. Explanation of shapes, maps and diagrams Image 1- Height change in the twist of the Sama dance shirt Figure 2 - Overview of the movement mechanism of the Sama dance in the building's movable facade system in two open and closed modes Figure 3 - Two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps of the Sama dance mechanism Image 4 - Different movement states of the Sama dance mechanism Image 5 - Location of metal hinges to connect the triangular facade panels to the perimeter frame Figure 6 - System components and structure - Central hexagonal plate Figure 7 - Components and structure of the system - rod (all dimensions are in meters). Figure 8 - System components and structure - Triangular plane of view (all dimensions are in meters). Figure 9 - System components and structure - Module perimeter frame (all dimensions are in meters). Figure 10 - System components and structure - Ball and Socket joint Figure 11 - Details of the connection of the sphere and bowl to the central hexagonal plate and the triangular plates of the facade Figure 12 - Connections in the movement mechanism of Sama dance Image 13 - Connecting the movable facade modules to the main facade of the building using a metal mesh A clear and precise statement of the advantages of the claimed invention over prior inventions. The present invention provides an innovative movement mechanism for a movable building facade system, inspired by the twisting form of the dress in the mystical dance of Sama. This innovation, while providing an effective solution to respond to climate change, gives architecture a new language of movement and expression. By utilizing simple and efficient engineering principles, this invention contributes significantly to improving the aesthetic and functional quality of the building facade while increasing energy efficiency and can be used as an inspiring model in modern architectural projects. This invention has several advantages as follows: 1) Aesthetic inspiration from traditional movements: The design of this mechanism, inspired by the spiral and rotating movements of the clothes in the Sama dance, gives the movements of the facade panels of the building a sense of harmony, rhythm and poetry. Unlike conventional mechanisms that are hidden and purely mechanical, this system transforms movement into a visual language that is considered part of the architectural beauty of the building. 2) Synchronized torsional movement without changing the length of the rods: Using ball and socket joints and fixed rods, the motion system allows for angle changes without the need to increase or decrease the length of the components. This increases durability and reduces mechanical complexity compared to other systems. 3) Using ball and socket joints to provide flexibility of movement: This type of connection allows for changing the angle in multiple directions without the need to change the length of the rods; as a result, the mechanism becomes simpler, lighter, and more durable. 4) No need for secondary actuators or complex systems: Unlike common mechanisms such as pneumatic cylinders or shape memory alloys that require pressure control systems, high power supplies, or specialized maintenance, the Sama dance system is controlled by only a central servomotor, making it much simpler, less expensive, and more reliable. 5) Simplicity in implementation and low maintenance: The use of metal or PVC rods with simple and industrially produced connections, along with standard hinges and servomotors, makes this mechanism very efficient and economical in terms of implementation. Also, due to the lack of use of wear or pressure-sensitive systems, maintenance costs are reduced. The modular design of this system allows for easier production, transportation and installation, and also by using replaceable parts and lightweight materials, maintenance costs are reduced compared to similar models. 6) Ability to adapt to various materials: Triangular plates can be made of different materials such as metal, fiberglass, or PTFE and can be changed to suit the climatic conditions or aesthetics of the project. 7) High flexibility in modular design: The modular structure of this mechanism allows for expansion in different dimensions, connecting multiple units together, and creating variable visual effects on the overall scale of the facade. 8) Integration with smart control systems: The ability to connect to environmental sensors (light, temperature, radiation, etc.) and automatic control via servomotor makes this mechanism part of smart and sustainable architecture. 9) Possibility of use in symbolic and public projects: Due to its expressive and aesthetic nature, this system can be used in cultural, artistic, commercial projects and landmark urban buildings. This feature places the system among the responsive architectural designs with artistic value. 10) Improve thermal and visual comfort of users: Adjusting the facade skin in response to environmental conditions reduces direct solar radiation, controls light intensity, and improves ventilation. As a result, both the thermal and visual comfort of the occupants is improved and the need for cooling, heating, and artificial lighting is reduced. Description of at least one implementation method for implementing the invention There is a very simple method to implement this invention. It is enough to connect the module parts together with bolts and nuts so that the module is ready to be installed on the building facade. A large number of these modules are also used on the building facade, all of which are connected to the building facade by metal grids. Explicit mention of the industrial application of the invention This mechanism can be installed and used in a modular manner, with standard dimensions and the possibility of mass production, on the exterior facade of residential, office and commercial buildings. Due to the flexibility of the design, this system is able to adapt to a variety of architectural designs and different climatic conditions and can be considered as part of the exterior facade in the design or renovation phase of building projects.
Claims
Claims What is claimed: Claim 1) What is claimed is a movement mechanism for movable building facades inspired by the twisting and turning of the special dress in the Sama dance. This mechanism consists of a central hexagonal plate that is connected at each vertex by ball and socket joints to a rod of fixed length. Each rod is also connected at its other end by ball and socket joints to a triangular plate near the vertex. These triangular plates are connected to a peripheral hexagonal frame through the opposite side to their vertex by metal hinges. By moving the central hexagonal plate, a spiral movement is created in the rods, which causes a force to be applied to the triangular plates and opens or closes them, and in this way the amount of light entering and leaving the building can be adjusted. Each mechanism is a module that can be repeated on the surface of the facade as many times as desired.This mechanism consists of the following parts: one servo motor, one central hexagonal metal plate, six fixed-length metal or PVC rods, twelve ball and socket joints, six triangular metal or PVC plates, twelve metal hinges, and a peripheral metal or PVC frame. Claim 2) According to claim 1, the rotation of the central hexagonal plate causes movement in the mechanism. To rotate this plate, a servo motor must be used. As a result, a servo motor is installed in the center and behind the central hexagonal plate. When the servo motor is turned on, the plate begins to rotate. It is necessary to explain that this servo motor must be able to rotate up to a maximum of 180 degrees, that is, from -90 degrees to +90 degrees. In this way, the central plate can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise. Claim 3) According to claim 2, if the central plate rotates clockwise, the six rods will spiral inward, and if it rotates counterclockwise, the rods will expand outward. But the important point here is that the length of the rods remains constant in any case. Claim 4) According to claims 1 and 3, the connection of the central hexagonal plate with the rods is provided through ball and socket joints. In this way, the possibility of spatial rotation of the rods in all directions is guaranteed. Claim 5) According to claim number 1, the spiral movement of the rods is the driving force of the triangular face plates. Therefore, the connection of these rods with the triangular faces must also be provided through ball and socket joints so that the spatial rotation of the rods relative to the triangular faces is also provided. In this way, each rod has a ball and socket joint at its two ends, which is connected to the central hexagonal face on one side and to the triangular face on the other. Claim 6) According to claim 3, if the six rods are drawn inward by a spiral motion, the triangular plates are closed, and if the rods are opened outward by a spiral motion, the triangular plates are also opened outward. Claim 7) According to claim 6, in order for the opening and closing movement of the triangular plates by the ball and socket joints to be carried out correctly, it is necessary that these triangular plates are connected to a peripheral hexagonal frame on their other side by two metal hinges. In this way, when the torsional movement of the rods applies force to the triangular plates, these plates open and close from their hinge location. Claim 8) As mentioned in claim 7 regarding the need for a perimeter frame, this hexagonal frame serves to hold the six triangular panels. Therefore, this perimeter frame itself must be held by a network of metal profiles and thus connected to the building facade. Claim 9) According to claim number 8, in addition to the peripheral hexagonal frame being held by the facade metal grid, the servomotors must also be held by this metal grid to maintain the structural strength.