Casquette Façade Blocking Device with Articulated Louver and Sliding Sunshade

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing obstruction devices for building facade openings lack versatility in obstruction configurations, fail to meet aesthetic and architectural criteria, and do not effectively regulate interior temperatures in response to varying weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A dual-part obstruction system comprising a superior and lower obstruction part, articulated to fold and unfold, with a horizontal sliding louver that can adopt various positions for total or partial obstruction, and a sunshade configuration that forms an awning, allowing for flexible obstruction and sun protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional obstruction devices (sliding shutters, swing shutters, roller shutters) are used, then the opening can be obstructed in open or closed positions, but the device lacks versatility in adopting multiple configurations (obstruction and sunshade modes)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The obstruction device is divided into two independent obstruction parts (upper and lower) that can move relative to each other. Each part can be positioned independently, allowing the device to adopt multiple configurations including total obstruction, partial obstruction, and sunshade modes, thereby achieving configuration versatility without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic positioning mechanisms where the upper obstruction part slides vertically along the pre-frame and the lower obstruction part slides horizontally along lateral slides. This dynamic capability enables smooth transitions between different configurations (open, intermediate, closed, sunshade) to adapt to varying user needs and weather conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed awning or screen type devices are installed to provide sun protection, then sun shielding function is achieved, but the devices cannot be installed on all types of facades and do not meet aesthetic and architectural criteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvef facade compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The obstruction device serves multiple functions: it can provide total obstruction, partial obstruction, and sunshade configurations. The pre-frame integrates both obstruction and sun protection capabilities, allowing a single device to replace multiple separate devices (shutters and awnings), thereby improving facade compatibility and aesthetic integration

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes vertical and horizontal sliding dimensions to achieve different configurations. The upper obstruction part moves vertically while the lower obstruction part moves horizontally, creating a two-dimensional movement system that enables diverse positioning options and sunshade angles without requiring additional space or complex mounting structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Temperature

If obstruction devices are used to regulate interior temperature by modulating opening obstruction, then temperature regulation function is achieved, but the device lacks the capability to form sunshade awnings for optimal sun protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior temperature regulationVSAvoidsun protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adjusts the position of both obstruction parts to optimize temperature regulation. During hot weather, the parts can be positioned to form a sunshade awning that blocks solar radiation before it enters the building. During cooler periods, the parts can be repositioned to allow natural light and heat entry, providing adaptive thermal control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sunshade function acts as a preliminary protective action against solar heat gain. By positioning the obstruction parts to form an awning before the sun's rays reach the opening, the device prevents heat entry in advance, reducing the need for subsequent cooling and optimizing interior temperature regulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4530418A1Blocking device and sun shade of casquette type for opening in a façade of a building
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ACCOPLAS SOC GEN DE FERMETURES
  • EP4530418A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530418A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4530418A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for blocking and sunshades for a facade opening (2) (3), comprising: - a subframe (4) including slides (11, 12), - articulated upper (5) and lower (6) blocking parts, the upper blocking part being articulated on the subframe and comprising a louver (7) having a curtain (8) sliding between a closed and open position, the lower blocking part being guided to slide in the slides; and configured to adopt: - a blocking configuration, in which the curtain is in any of its positions, and in which the blocking parts are unfolded, so as to cover the opening (2) to be blocked; and - a sunshade configuration, in which the curtain is in its closed position, and in which the blocking parts are folded, so as to form together an awning (9) extending away from said facade.