Gear-Driven Sliding Window Automation With Low-Wiring Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart home devices, particularly windows and doors, are not designed to be automated, making retrofitting with motorized systems costly and complex, and existing motorized window systems face challenges with power supply, control, and compatibility with various window sizes and designs.

Innovation Solution

A motorized window system with a gear-driven mechanism, a controller, and communication systems like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for remote control, integrated sensors for automatic operation, and a solar panel for power, allowing for wireless control and minimal power consumption, enabling retrofitting with minimal modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If motorized window systems are installed in existing buildings, then automation capability is improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow automation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol wiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical control systems with wireless communication technology. The motorized window system uses wireless transmitters and receivers to transmit control signals, eliminating the need for complex control wiring throughout the building while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the user and the motorized window system. Instead of direct electrical wiring connections, wireless signals act as mediators to transmit control commands and status information, significantly reducing installation complexity in existing buildings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If battery power is used for motorized windows, then installation flexibility is improved, but power consumption issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wireless communication transmission where the system only transmits data when changes occur (window position changes, status updates). This periodic rather than continuous transmission significantly reduces power consumption of the wireless module while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes wireless communication parameters including transmission power, data rate, and sleep modes to minimize energy consumption. The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on distance and signal quality, and enters low-power sleep modes when no communication is needed, extending battery life while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If wireless network range is increased to cover all windows, then system coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless network coverage areaVSAvoidwireless module power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the building into multiple wireless zones or rooms, with each motorized window operating independently within its local zone. This segmentation allows each wireless module to use low power transmission suitable for small local areas, while the overall system achieves building-wide coverage through distributed operation of multiple low-power nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where wireless transmission power is adapted based on actual communication needs, distance to receiver, and environmental conditions. The system uses low power for short-range local control and can dynamically increase power only when necessary for extended range communication, optimizing the balance between coverage and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, wireless control and automation of motorized windows with reduced power consumption, extending battery life and minimizing the need for large solar panels, while accommodating various window sizes and designs, thus improving energy efficiency and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A first gear driven by the first motor and a first gear track mounted to a first stationary member of the frame. The teeth of the first gear mesh with teeth of the first gear track.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS20190003236A1Gear-Driven Automated Window or Door System

Publication Date: 2019.01.03 D&D SW LLC

AI summary

A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with gears, transmission or worm drive engage with a gear track mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first gear in a first rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first gear in a second rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.