Fenestration Assembly Light Modulation for Daylight and Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fenestration assemblies that provide ventilation interrupt daylight delivery due to the presence of screens, and existing artificial lighting lacks the natural and dynamic qualities of daylight, affecting occupant comfort and circadian rhythms.

Innovation Solution

A fenestration assembly with light modulation features, including translucent panels, light modulation elements like LEDs, operable shades, and a controller that simulates daylight by adjusting light intensity, orientation, and duration based on natural light patterns, ensuring uninterrupted daylight delivery while providing artificial lighting that mimics natural conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If screens are installed in fenestration assemblies to prevent ingress of insects and debris, then building service protection is improved, but daylight delivery is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from insects and debrisVSAvoiddaylight delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is extracted from the traditional position spanning the light shaft and repositioned to the periphery of the fenestration assembly. This extraction removes the screen from the direct daylight path while maintaining its protective function against insects and debris, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and daylight delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The screen arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration spanning the opening to a three-dimensional peripheral positioning around the light shaft. This dimensional change allows the screen to maintain protective coverage while being positioned outside the direct line of sight for daylight transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If artificial light fixtures are installed to provide lighting in the evening, then lighting function is improved, but natural comfort and circadian rhythm regulation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting functionVSAvoidartificial light discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fenestration assembly incorporates light modulation elements that copy the temporal and spectral characteristics of natural daylight. By replicating the gradual brightening at dawn and fading at dusk, the system provides artificial lighting that mimics natural cycles, thereby maintaining comfort and circadian rhythm regulation while fulfilling the lighting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system transitions from static artificial fixtures to dynamic light modulation elements that can vary intensity and spectral output over time. This dynamic behavior allows the system to simulate natural daylight variations, improving comfort and biological comfort while maintaining adequate illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light modulation elements are added to simulate daylight, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant comfortVSAvoidfenestration assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light modulation elements are integrated into the existing fenestration assembly structure, allowing the same components to serve multiple functions: daylight delivery, artificial lighting simulation, and light intensity control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby managing complexity while improving occupant comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances occupant comfort by maintaining natural daylight experiences and promoting circadian rhythms through dynamic lighting that simulates natural daylight variations, ensuring uninterrupted ventilation and light delivery.

Implementation Method 1

light modulation elements like LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20240401399A1Fenestration assembly and building service control with the same

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 MARVIN LUMBER & CEDAR COMPANY D B A MARVIN WINDOWS & DOORS

AI summary

A fenestration system includes one or more of a light modulation controller or ventilation modulation controller. The light modulation controller is in communication with at least one light modulation element of a fenestration assembly having a frame and a panel. The light modulation controller includes a light prescription module configured to provide a specified light prescription for the building interior. A lighting difference module is configured to determine a prescription difference between the specified light prescription and ambient light. A dynamic light module of the light modulation controller operates the at least one light modulation element according to the prescription difference. The ventilation modulation controller is in communication with at least one operator configured to open and close the panel. A ventilation prescription module provides a specified ventilation prescription for the building interior, and a dynamic ventilation module implements panel closing and opening according to the specified ventilation prescription.