Operable Louver Window with Spring Biasing and Thermal Break
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window solutions fail to provide adequate protection against vandalism, tornadoes, and hurricanes while meeting Energy Star requirements and impact test standards, and they often compromise on energy efficiency and emergency exit accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An operable louver window system featuring monobloc glass louvers, chromoly bars, and an integrated operator shifter with a compact assembly that allows synchronous rotation, providing security and thermal efficiency in both closed and open positions, with a biasing device and handle bar for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional window solutions are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but protection against vandalism, tornadoes, and hurricanes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring biasing device automatically returns the louvers to the closed protective position when the operating bar is released, eliminating the need for manual reopening effort and ensuring the window remains secured without continuous user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The operator shifter mechanism transforms the simple linear motion of the operating bar into synchronized rotational motion of multiple louvers, dynamically adapting the operation force distribution across multiple moving parts to reduce overall user effort
2Reliability
If window security is enhanced with robust materials and structures, then protection against forceful entry is improved, but energy efficiency and thermal performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The louver system transitions between closed (secure, thermally efficient) and open (ventilated, less secure) states, dynamically adjusting the balance between security and energy efficiency based on operational needs rather than compromising either permanently
Solution Approach 2:
The window is divided into multiple independent louvers that can be individually controlled, allowing selective opening of specific sections for ventilation while keeping other sections closed to maintain security and thermal efficiency
3Reliability
If window protection features are added to prevent vandalism and natural disaster damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator shifter mechanism combines multiple functional elements (synchronization drive, rotation control, and louver actuation) into a single integrated assembly that operates through one simple linear motion, reducing operational complexity despite enhanced protective capabilities
4Loss of energy
If natural ventilation is enabled by opening the window, then energy efficiency is improved, but security against forceful entry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window system allows selective opening of individual louver sections rather than requiring the entire window to be opened, enabling limited natural ventilation while maintaining security through the presence of closed, protected sections
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biasing device dynamically maintains security by automatically returning louvers to the closed position when not in active use, allowing temporary opening for ventilation without permanent compromise of security
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 system effectively protects against forceful entry and natural disasters while maintaining Energy Star compliance and ensuring thermal efficiency, allowing for natural ventilation while maintaining security, and reducing the effort required for operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device having an upper and a lower side, the upper and lower side of the biasing device operatively coupled to the assisting mechanism and the distant holder, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a series of operable louvers mounted on a four-sided frame and connected on each side to the operating mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing of the louvers. Every part of the system that is exposing to the exterior of the building is separated from the interior part of the system by a low heat conductivity material as a thermal barrier. Each operable louver is composing of a four-sided main frame, two panes of glass (inner and outer) and a coupling mechanism on each side that connects to the operating mechanism. The main frame acts as the thermal break as well as a system that absorbs the energy created when an outside object impacts the window from the outside. The system incorporates sealing devices between all moving parts to eliminate water and air infiltration. The operating system allows for easy opening and closing of the window by rotating each louver with the crank mechanism assisted by springs.