Light-Control Assembly with Offset Bearing Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light-control systems for dynamic daylighting and shading in architectural structures are unreliable, noisy, difficult to construct and maintain, and suffer from non-uniform light leakage, making them inefficient and aesthetically undesirable, especially in large-scale applications.

Innovation Solution

A light-control assembly with rotating light-blocking members that can be rotated 360° by applying force at one end, utilizing circular bores with bearing members and offset flanges for accurate positioning, allowing for close fitting of adjacent edges to achieve uniform light-blocking without rings or notches, and accommodating thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional light-control systems are used, then light transmission can be controlled, but non-uniform light leakage occurs and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidlight leakage uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of bearing members within the beam structure, where bearing members are offset from the centerline of the beam. This asymmetric arrangement allows the light-blocking members to be positioned more closely together while maintaining proper rotation mechanics, thereby reducing light leakage gaps and improving uniformity without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The beam is segmented into multiple sections with individually positioned bearing members. Each bearing member is independently mounted in a circular bore with offset positioning, allowing precise control over the spacing and alignment of light-blocking members. This segmentation enables uniform light leakage control across the entire assembly while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic control of light-blocking members is implemented, then light transmission can be adjusted, but the system becomes difficult to construct and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic control capabilityVSAvoidconstruction ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing members are designed with self-aligning features that allow them to automatically position themselves correctly within the circular bores during assembly. The offset flanges on the bearing members engage with corresponding features in the bores, providing self-guided positioning that simplifies installation and reduces the need for complex alignment procedures, making the dynamically controllable system easier to construct and maintain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If light-blocking members are positioned closely together, then light leakage is reduced, but positioning accuracy becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight leakage uniformityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing members are pre-positioned with offset flanges that engage with corresponding features in the circular bores before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when light-blocking members are installed, they are automatically aligned at the correct spacing and orientation, achieving both close positioning for reduced light leakage and high positioning accuracy without requiring complex measurement procedures during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If 360° rotation of light-blocking members is enabled, then shading control is improved, but operational noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshading control rangeVSAvoidoperational noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing members act as intermediaries between the light-blocking members and the beam structure. These bearing members are mounted in circular bores with offset positioning, providing a smooth rotational interface that reduces friction and prevents binding during 360° rotation. This intermediary mechanism enables full rotational range for improved shading control while minimizing operational noise through reduced mechanical interference

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

The solution provides reliable, quiet, and efficient light control with minimal leakage, suitable for various architectural applications, including horizontal, vertical, and sloped glazing, and can be easily assembled and maintained, offering total blackout or near-total blackout capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

bearing members associated with the bores that have offset flanges or other engagement means to ensure accurate positioning and reliable operation of the bearing members over a range of 360° rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2627946B1Light-control assembly

Publication Date: 2018.10.24 CPI DAYLIGHTING

Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3A

AI summary

A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, at least two bearing members each having an annular ring dimensioned to fit within the bores with non-interfering flanges extending radially outwardly from the rings mounted in the bores, and a series of light-controlling members mounted in the bearing members.