Heated Window Curtain With Carbon Fiber Wires for Draft Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single pane glass windows allow cold air to escape, leading to heat loss and increased energy bills, with existing solutions failing to effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
An electrically heated window curtain with low voltage carbon fiber heating elements, a thermostat, battery backup, and a power source, embedded in fire-resistant material, which maintains a warm air draft and prevents overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If single pane glass windows are used, then the window structure is simple and cost-effective, but cold air leaks through causing heat loss and increased energy bills
Solution Approach 1:
The window treatment is divided into separate functional layers: the existing single pane glass window remains intact while a heated curtain layer is added in front of it. This segmentation allows the simple window structure to be preserved while adding thermal protection through the heated curtain that blocks cold air leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A heated curtain acts as an intermediary layer between the single pane glass window and the interior space. The curtain with embedded heating elements creates a thermal barrier that prevents cold air from leaking through the window, reducing heat loss without requiring modification to the window itself.
2Loss of energy
If heating elements are embedded in the curtain material, then heat loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heating elements are embedded within the flexible curtain material itself, allowing the thermal protection function to be integrated into the fabric structure. This approach maintains the flexibility and simplicity of a curtain while incorporating heating capability to reduce heat loss through the window area.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain is constructed as a composite structure combining fabric material with embedded heating elements, thermostat components, and power distribution layers. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (thermal insulation, active heating, temperature control) into a single unit that reduces heat loss without requiring separate complex systems.
3Reliability
If a thermostat and battery backup system are added, then reliability is improved during power outages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A battery backup system is integrated into the curtain to provide beforehand cushioning against power outages. The battery stores energy in advance and automatically activates when main power fails, ensuring continuous operation of the heating elements and thermostat to maintain thermal protection and prevent cold air leakage during electrical interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermostat is embedded in the curtain to provide temperature feedback control. The thermostat monitors the temperature near the window and automatically adjusts the heating elements accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that maintains optimal thermal conditions while reducing energy consumption when heating is not needed.
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
Effectively reduces heat loss through single pane glass windows by maintaining a warm air draft, saving energy and providing backup power during outages.
Implementation Method 1
low voltage carbon fiber heating elements
Implementation Method 2
A self-regulating hearing cable will prevent overheating
Implementation Method 3
The thermostat will sense the ambient temperature near the window inside surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically heated window curtain of fire resistant material to heat up the draft flow of cold air that leaks through single pane glass windows with low voltage heating wires embedded in the fire resistant material, a power source, a thermostat, a battery pack, and a charger. Also included is a curtain rod and gripping strips on the curtain to hold the curtain in a rolled up position when not in use.