Independent Slat Control for Window Facades

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slat systems for window surfaces lack the ability to adjust the rotational position of each individual slat independently, limiting user-defined control and adaptability to different facade appearances and environmental needs.

Innovation Solution

A slat system where each slat has a separate drive and axis, allowing for independent rotational and translational movement, with a traction mechanism and clutch system for adjustable positioning, and integrated energy and sensor management for optimal control and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a central drive and controller are used to rotate all slats together, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the rotational position of each individual slat cannot be adjusted independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent rotational position controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the slat system into independently controllable segments, where each slat has its own drive mechanism and controller. This segmentation allows each slat to be rotated and positioned independently, enabling customizable facade appearances and individual adaptation to user needs, while maintaining a modular system architecture that manages complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between individual slats is fixed by design, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the position of each slat cannot be adjusted independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual slat position adjustmentVSAvoidposition control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities for each slat, allowing the distance and position between slats to be adjusted independently during operation. Each slat can be moved along the support structure to various positions, enabling flexible facade configurations and individual adaptation, while the system maintains stability through controlled actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If slats are grouped into fixed adjustable units, then the control system is simplified, but individual adaptation to user needs is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual slat controlVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service control where each slat is equipped with its own actuator and controller that can be independently activated. Users can control individual slats or groups of slats through a centralized interface, allowing flexible operation modes where the system serves different control granularities - from individual slat adjustment to group coordination - without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2746522B1Lamellar system

Publication Date: 2018.01.31 HAEFELE THERESA ANNA

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c

AI summary

The lamellar system has fixed support structure (21) having a first support (1) and a second support (8) fixed to a mounting (7). A plate (9) is controlled separately and is separately movable and rotatable by drive (22). The plate has first gear (13) and second gear (15) which are rotatable relative to slat sheet (6).