Shielding device for shading and rain protection purposes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weather protection devices lack variability in user-adjustable properties such as air permeability, view, shading, and water repellency, which are typically achieved by altering the fabric parameters rather than through a flexible coating system.

Innovation Solution

A textile fabric with a prefabricated support structure featuring an open-pored foam layer applied on one side, allowing for adjustable properties like air permeability, view, shading, and water repellency without changing the fabric, using a foamed plastic material like polyurethane with hydrophobic agents and UV filters, and connected warp and weft threads for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fabric parameters are changed to adjust air permeability, view, and shading, then the structural complexity increases, but the adaptability improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of propertiesVSAvoidfabric parameter adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the foam layer properties (density, thickness, pore size) rather than changing the fabric structure. The foam layer's parameters can be adjusted to control air permeability, shading, and view properties while keeping the fabric base unchanged, thus improving adaptability without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining a fabric base layer with a foam layer coating. This composite structure allows the foam layer to provide adjustable properties (shading, insulation, water repellency) while the fabric provides structural support, resolving the contradiction by achieving adaptability through material composition rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If a coating layer is applied to the fabric, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform layer thicknessVSAvoidcoating application process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the foam layer thickness and uniformity by adjusting foam application parameters (foam expansion ratio, application method, drying conditions) rather than requiring precise mechanical control during manufacturing. This allows achieving manufacturing precision through parameter optimization of a relatively simple coating process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The foam layer acts as an intermediary between the fabric and the external environment, providing a uniform coating that simplifies the manufacturing process. Instead of directly controlling fabric weave precision, the foam intermediary layer provides the desired uniform properties through controlled application and expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible adjustment of properties like air permeability, view, and water repellency, providing enhanced dimensional stability and optical effects, suitable for various applications including shading and rain protection.

Implementation Method 1

the foam layer is darkened dark by carbon black or pigments or is provided with a additive acting as a UV filter and / or IR reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV filtering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the foam layer is darkened dark by carbon black or pigments or is provided with a additive acting as a UV filter and / or IR reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIR reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the foam layer is equipped with a hydrophobic agent hydrophobic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3622128B1Shielding device for shading and rain protection purposes
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 ETTLIN SPINNEREI & WEBEREI PRODN
  • EP3622128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3622128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a shielding device for shielding against weather influences, comprising a textile sheet material (12) which is stretched two-dimensionally or can be rolled out and which forms a shield against weather influences, in particular against solar radiation and/or rain, and has warp threads (24) and weft threads (26) connected together in a lattice-like manner so as to form a fabric. A foam layer (16) which has foam pores (30) that are separated from one another by solid foam walls (32) is applied onto the textile sheet material (12) on at least one sheet side.