Offset-Hinge Solar Shutter for Shadow Loss and Cooling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy conversion shutters face issues with reduced solar exposure due to cast shadows from overhanging structures and inadequate cooling and structural integrity, particularly in non-south orientations, and are not resistant to climatic hazards.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating shutter with a carrying arm pivotally articulated around a horizontal axis, offset vertically to minimize shadows, equipped with an actuator mechanism for angular oscillation and a reinforced structure to withstand weather conditions, and featuring an increased interstitial space for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the shutter frame is directly attached to the top of the window, then the structure is simple, but the air space between shutter and frame is insufficient, reducing cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical offset dimension by positioning the horizontal hinge bar away from the top edge of the window frame. This creates an additional spatial dimension (vertical distance) between the shutter frame and window frame, enabling sufficient air space for cooling while maintaining structural simplicity through the offset hinge configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shutter is positioned facing non-south orientations, then the installation is flexible, but shadows from overhanging structures reduce solar exposure and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical offset positioning of the hinge bar to elevate the shutter frame above shadow-casting elements. By introducing this vertical dimension, the shutter achieves sufficient clearance from overhanging structures, maintaining solar exposure and energy conversion efficiency while preserving flexibility for various orientations
3Device complexity
If standard hinges and gas springs are used near window sills, then the device is simple, but the components cannot withstand significant climatic stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable hinge and gas spring components from the standard position near the window sill and relocates them to an offset position above. This separation removes the critical components from the zone of climatic stress concentration, enhancing reliability while maintaining component simplicity
4Area of stationary object
If the frame is positioned close to the window frame, then the installation space is minimized, but the interstitial space is insufficient for natural convection cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension through offset hinge positioning. This creates adequate interstitial space in the vertical direction for natural convection cooling while minimizing the horizontal footprint, effectively separating the cooling requirement from the installation space constraint
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 maximizes solar exposure for optimized energy production, improves cooling through natural convection, and ensures structural integrity and resistance to climatic hazards, enhancing both energy yield and system stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar energy conversion module (3) of the photovoltaic panel type
Implementation Method 2
reduce the shadow cast on said solar energy conversion module (3) by means of the projection of said frame (2) along a horizontal axis X
Implementation Method 3
means for angular oscillation of said frame (2) with respect to solar exposure
Implementation Method 4
improves cooling through natural convection
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
[Abbreviated] The invention relates to an oscillating shutter (1) comprising a shutter (1) intended to at least partially obscure a window (6) of a frame (8) and capable of supporting at least one frame (2) equipped with at least one solar energy conversion module (3); and means for angular oscillation (5) of said frame (2) with respect to solar exposure. The angular oscillation means (5) comprise at least one support arm (4) supporting said frame (2), one end of which (42) is pivotally articulated about a horizontal articulation bar (52) along the horizontal axis Z, said horizontal articulation bar being fixed to a window frame (8) of a window (6) and offset vertically with respect to the vertical axis Y, according to a geometric relationship chosen with respect to the top of a window reveal (7), so as to reduce the shadow cast on said solar energy conversion module (3) by means of the projection of said frame (2) along the horizontal axis X.