Motorized Blind Slat Control Using Predicted Sun Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized venetian blind systems require manual adjustment to tilt slats and lack automated control to manage sunlight effectively, failing to optimize daylight entry based on sun position.
Innovation Solution
A blind system with a drive unit that tilts slats into multiple positions automatically, controlled by a control device using a timeclock schedule determined from sun position, and a configuration method using a mobile device to align the blind system with the building's façade direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor with frictional coupling is used to control both lift and tilt functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control slat tilt position is lost and automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules: a lift motor for raising/lowering slats and a tilt motor for rotating slats. Each motor independently controls its specific function, eliminating the frictional coupling problem of single-motor systems and enabling precise automated tilt positioning through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system with timeclock schedules and sun position calculation algorithms as intermediaries between the tilt motor and slat positioning. This automated control mechanism calculates optimal tilt angles based on sun position and building orientation, then precisely controls the tilt motor to achieve desired slat positions without manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment is required for slat tilt, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and energy efficiency are reduced due to lack of automated sunlight management
Solution Approach 1:
The blind system performs self-service by automatically calculating sun position, determining optimal tilt angles, and adjusting slats without manual intervention. The system uses built-in algorithms to compute sun position based on location, date, and time, then autonomously controls tilt motors to maximize daylight entry or block sunlight as needed, eliminating the need for user operation while optimizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of sun position and optimal tilt angles in advance using timeclock schedules and astronomical algorithms. This pre-computation allows the system to be prepared for upcoming sunlight conditions and adjust slats proactively to optimize daylight entry before sunlight reaches the building, enhancing energy efficiency without requiring real-time manual adjustment.
3Loss of energy
If automated control based on sun position is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously calculating sun position based on location, date, and time, then using this information to determine optimal tilt angles. The control system monitors these calculations and adjusts slat positions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency through automated response to changing sunlight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with computational algorithms that calculate sun position using astronomical data and building orientation information. Instead of using physical sensors to detect sunlight, the system uses mathematical models to predict sun position and compute optimal tilt angles, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining energy optimization capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment with building façade direction is required, then sunlight control accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity and measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional configuration approach where a single façade orientation angle measurement serves multiple purposes: it defines building orientation, determines sun exposure patterns, and calculates optimal tilt angles for different times of day. This universal parameter reduces the need for multiple separate measurements while maintaining precise sunlight control accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blind system may control (e.g., automatically control) an amount of daylight entering a window on a façade of a building to prevent direct sunlight from shining into the building, while maximizing the amount of indirect sunlight in the building. The blind system may tilt one or more slats into a view tilt position in which the slats are horizontal, a slanted tilt position in which the slats may block direct sunlight from shining into the building, and a privacy tilt position in which the slats are vertical. The drive unit may tilt the slats according to a timeclock having the event times determined from a predicted position of the sun, such that the slats are tilted to the slanted tilt position when the predicted position of the sun indicates that direct sunlight is incident on the façade. A facing direction of the façade may be configured using a mobile device.