Adjustable Louver Window Design for Airflow With Rain Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open windows allow precipitation to enter during inclement weather, disrupting airflow and causing inconvenience, while closed windows lead to heat-related issues and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of dry open window (DOW) structures with adjustable louvers and mounting mechanisms that allow fresh air to enter while preventing precipitation, including extendable frames, 'twist and tight' mechanisms, adhesive and Velcro attachments, and rod-and-hook configurations for secure installation on various window sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the window is left open to let fresh air in, then airflow is improved, but precipitation enters the building
Solution Approach 1:
The window opening is segmented into multiple adjustable louver blades that can be independently positioned. These slats create a segmented barrier that allows air to pass through while blocking precipitation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining airflow and preventing rain entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The louver blades are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing users to change the angle and position of each slat based on weather conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize airflow while preventing precipitation entry by tilting the blades to redirect rain away from the opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the window is closed to prevent precipitation entry, then rain exclusion is improved, but heat buildup and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of closing the entire window, only specific portions are covered by adjustable louvers. The local application of louver blades at the opening allows precipitation to be blocked while maintaining overall window transparency and air flow paths, preventing heat buildup while excluding rain.
Solution Approach 2:
The louver blades can be adjusted to change parameters such as angle, spacing, and coverage area. By modifying these parameters, the system can transition between different states - from fully open for maximum airflow to partially closed for rain protection - allowing optimization of both temperature control and precipitation exclusion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional louvered windows are used, then rain exclusion is improved, but they cannot keep rain out when there is a steady wind
Solution Approach 1:
The louver blades are designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing users to tilt and position each slat to counteract wind-driven rain. By adjusting the blades to angle against the wind direction, the system maintains reliable rain protection even under steady wind conditions, unlike fixed conventional louvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The louver blades are positioned and angled asymmetrically to specifically counteract the directional force of wind-driven rain. The asymmetric configuration optimizes the blocking effect for prevailing wind directions while maintaining airflow, improving reliability of rain protection under wind compared to symmetric conventional designs.
4Productivity
If a fan is added to enhance airflow, then air flow is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable louver system enables passive airflow enhancement through user-adjustable blade positioning that optimizes natural convection and wind flow. This self-service approach allows the structure to enhance airflow without requiring active mechanical components like fans, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining improved air flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental window apparatus includes at least two dry open window (DOW) assemblies stacked on top of each other. Each DOW assembly includes a dry open window (DOW) structure having a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have “V” or “W” shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while limiting passage of precipitation, the precipitation being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage and a plurality of vertical members supporting the louvers in a spaced apart arrangement. A plurality of vertical rods are fixed to the vertical members of each DOW assembly by fasteners in a spaced apart arrangement to hold the DOW assemblies in place.