Retractable Bay Window with Folding Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional windows are fixed in shape and cannot be adjusted or transformed according to user preferences, limiting their functionality and adaptability in indoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A retractable bay window system comprising a window frame, horizontal and vertical turning plates, sliding assemblies, and retraction mechanisms that allow the window to change shape, reduce contact area, and isolate the indoor environment, featuring a unique design and sealing system for optimal functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed windows are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but the window cannot be adjusted or transformed according to user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow shape adjustmentVSAvoidwindow structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window is divided into multiple independent panels that can be folded relative to each other. Each panel can be independently positioned to create different window configurations, transforming a fixed structure into an adaptable one while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window structure transitions from a static fixed form to a dynamic configurable form through folding mechanisms. The panels can be rotated and positioned at different angles, allowing the window to adapt between fully retracted, partially extended, and fully extended states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bay window is extended outward, then user control over indoor environment improves, but contact area with outdoor environment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor environment controlVSAvoidcontact with outdoor environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The window panels can be extended partially or fully based on user needs. When full extension is not required, only partial extension is performed, reducing the contact area with the outdoor environment while still providing sufficient indoor environment control. This allows optimization between the two conflicting requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the window shape changes, then functionality improves, but sealing and cleanliness become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow configurationVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible sealing strips are used at the edges of the folding panels to maintain effective sealing throughout the range of motion. These flexible seals can accommodate the changing geometry of the window as panels are folded and extended, ensuring continuous sealing performance across all configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing mechanisms are pre-positioned and designed to automatically engage as panels move into their folded or extended positions. The sealing action occurs as an integral part of the folding motion itself, ensuring sealing is maintained without requiring additional manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240328242A1Hideable bay window

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 A&C FUTURE INC

AI summary

A hideable bay window is provided. The hideable bay window comprises a window frame, a first horizontal turning plate, a second horizontal turning plate, a vertical translation plate, a first vertical sliding assembly, and a second vertical sliding assembly. The hidable bay window further comprises a pair of bottom support mechanisms. Compared to traditional windows, the present window can be transformed between a fixed window status and a bay window status smoothly and allows the space for the windows to be set according to the needs of the user.