Fenestration Blind Assembly for Dynamic Solar Heat Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller blinds lack self-correction mechanisms to reinsert blind fabric when it falls outside the track, and existing solar heat gain control systems are not thermally efficient for dynamic light and heat management.
Innovation Solution
A unitary assembly for architectural fenestration that includes a track-based frame structure with a self-correcting blind, a motor without limiter switches and a quick-release slip-ring, and a thermally efficient, transparent heat storage unit, allowing for dynamic solar heat gain control by integrating a slatted roller blind with directional shading and a solar energy collector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional track guides are used, then the blind fabric can be guided within the track, but the blind cannot automatically reinsert itself when it falls outside the track
Solution Approach 1:
The blind fabric is designed with self-correcting capabilities through integrated features such as hooks, eyes, or engagement elements that allow it to automatically reinsert itself into the track when displaced, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex automated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing complex mechanisms to prevent the blind from falling out, the invention inverts the approach by designing the blind fabric with features that enable it to actively seek and reinsert itself into the track, turning a potential failure mode into a self-correcting system
2Ease of operation
If a motor with limiter switches is used, then the blind can be controlled to stop at specific positions, but the system becomes more complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical limiter switches with a motor control system that uses electronic sensors and control algorithms to determine blind position and stopping points, eliminating mechanical wear and complexity while maintaining precise positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor control system incorporates feedback mechanisms such as encoders or position sensors that continuously monitor the blind's position and provide real-time data to the control system, enabling accurate stopping at desired positions without mechanical limiters
3Loss of energy
If a conventional heat storage unit is used, then thermal energy can be stored, but nighttime heat loss is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage unit utilizes composite materials with high thermal mass and low thermal conductivity, such as phase change materials combined with insulating layers, to maximize heat retention during nighttime while maintaining effective heat storage capacity during daytime
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs phase change materials that undergo parameter changes (phase transitions) at specific temperatures, allowing the heat storage unit to absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy at constant temperatures, thereby reducing nighttime heat loss while maintaining reliability
4Use of energy by moving object
If the blind allows maximum light entry, then solar heat gain is maximized, but unwanted heat and glare are also increased
Solution Approach 1:
The blind incorporates regions with different optical properties, such as selectively transparent or reflective zones, that allow desirable solar heat gain while blocking glare and unwanted direct sunlight, creating local variations in light and heat transmission characteristics
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 solution enables automatic reinsertion of blind fabric into the track, dynamic light control, and efficient heat storage and release, providing supplemental heat from sunny days while minimizing nighttime losses.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat
Implementation Method 2
a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure
Implementation Method 3
gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.