Magnetic Screen-Vent Coupling for Multi-Position Air Inlet Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home automation systems with ventilation control devices are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible cable systems and incur high costs, with limited functionality to control ventilation in multiple positions of the screen.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic elements between the screen and air intake shutter allows for simplified control of the ventilation device, improving aesthetics and reducing costs by eliminating the need for visible cables and enabling control in multiple screen positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable system is used to control the ventilation device, then the control functionality is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation control functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cable system from the visible area by extracting it from the space between the screen and window. The control functionality is maintained through magnetic coupling that eliminates the need for visible mechanical connections, thus preserving aesthetics while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based control system with a magnetic field-based control system. The magnetic elements transmit control signals without physical contact, eliminating the need for visible cables and mechanical linkages while maintaining the ventilation control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a cable system is used to control the ventilation device, then the control functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation control functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical cable system with simpler magnetic elements and a control unit. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while maintaining the ventilation control functionality through magnetic coupling and electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the cable system controls the shutter through screen slats, then the ventilation control is achieved, but the screen functionality deteriorates by blocking light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation controlVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control mechanism from the screen slats themselves, using magnetic coupling between the screen assembly and ventilation device instead. This allows the screen to remain in its ventilation position without requiring force transmission through the slats, preserving both light transmission and ventilation control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the cable system is used, then the ventilation device can be controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical cable transmission system with a magnetic field-based control system. The magnetic elements and control unit create a simpler system that achieves ventilation control without the complexity of mechanical linkages, pulleys, and force transmission mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances the aesthetic appeal and reduces costs while allowing for efficient control of ventilation in various screen positions, ensuring effective air circulation and energy management.

Implementation Method 1

The first sub-assembly connected to the screen comprises at least one magnetic element and the second sub-assembly connected to the shutter of the air inlet member with controllable air passage section comprises at least one other magnetic element. Said at least one magnetic element of the first sub-assembly is configured to cooperate with said at least one magnetic element of the second sub-assembly, so as to modify the position of the shutter of the air inlet member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3190256B1Home-automation installation and related operating method
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3190256B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3190256B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3190256B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A home automation installation comprises a screening device (3), a ventilation device (24) comprising an air inlet member with a controllable air passage section (25) and a control device (33) of the device ventilation (24) comprising a first sub-assembly (34) connected to a screen (2) of the screening device (3) and a second sub-assembly (35) connected to a shutter (29) of the air inlet member (25). The first sub-assembly (34) cooperates with the second sub-assembly (35) during movement of the screen (2) implemented by a motorized drive device, so as to control the positioning of the shutter ( 29). At least one magnetic element (36) of the first sub-assembly (34) cooperates with at least one magnetic element (37) of the second sub-assembly (35), so as to modify the position of the shutter (29), when said at least at least one magnetic element (36) of the first sub-assembly (34) is moved from a position offset with respect to said at least one magnetic element (37) of the second sub-assembly (35) to a position opposite said at least one magnetic element (37) of the second sub-assembly (35), and vice versa.