Glare Cone Model for Dynamic Window Obscuration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling window obscuration in buildings do not adequately account for the orientation of solar radiation from all directions, leading to inadequate lighting levels and glare management within sensitive spatial zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining the coordinates of a glare cone associated with a window and sensitive zones inside a building, adjusting the orientation of solar rays, and controlling occultation means such as electrochromic glass to maintain constant interior light intensity by acting on the concealment means when solar rays are inscribed within the glare cone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sensors are incorporated inside the building to measure lighting levels, then the lighting control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (glare cone geometry and solar position calculations) that mediates between simple exterior light sensors and the complex task of predicting interior glare conditions. This model acts as a virtual sensor that translates external solar radiation data into interior glare predictions without requiring physical sensors throughout the interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of deploying multiple physical light sensors throughout the building interior with a computational model that uses solar position algorithms and geometric glare cone calculations. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while maintaining accurate glare prediction capability.
2Ease of operation
If control parameters are simplified for easier implementation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of solar radiation orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the precision requirements from the interior control space to the exterior solar position space. By calculating glare cones in three-dimensional solar coordinate space and comparing solar position against these pre-calculated cones, the system achieves high measurement precision for solar radiation orientation while keeping interior control logic simple and easy to operate.
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
This approach ensures effective glare management and consistent interior lighting by dynamically adjusting the obscuration of windows based on solar radiation orientation, exterior and interior light intensities, and temperature, enhancing visual comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the concealment means comprising an electrochromic type glass positioned in the recess of the window... the concealment means act gradually on the glass of the electrochromic type so as to darken said glass
Data Source
AI summary
The method for the individual control of the means for covering at least one window consists in - determining the coordinates of a dazzle cone associated with a window and with an area sensitive to the dazzle, the dazzle cone being defined firstly by a vertex positioned at the sensitive area and a directrix curve superimposed on the perimeter of a window; - determining the orientation of the direct rays of sunlight, the orientation of said rays being defined by a solar azimuth and a solar elevation; - periodically checking whether the orientation of the rays of sunlight falls within at least one predetermined dazzle cone; the direction of the rays of sunlight being parallel with one of the directions contained inside the dazzle cone and passing through the vertex of said cone; - acting on the window-covering means associated with said at least one window for which the orientation of the rays of sunlight is inscribed inside at least one dazzle cone.