Roller Shutter Ventilation Unit for Indoor Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter systems for buildings do not effectively address the issue of indoor discomfort due to temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, particularly during summer and night when the indoor temperature is higher than the outdoor temperature.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter system equipped with a ventilation unit at its lower part, comprising a box with air inlet and outlet openings, a rotary ventilation member with peripheral fins, and an electric motor, which generates airflow from outside to inside when the shutter conceals the opening, improving air circulation and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apron conceals the opening to provide security and privacy, then protection is improved, but indoor temperature comfort deteriorates due to heat buildup inside
Solution Approach 1:
The apron is segmented into multiple horizontal slats that can be independently positioned. When deployed for protection, the slats create narrow gaps that allow air circulation while maintaining privacy and security. This segmentation enables the system to simultaneously provide protection and thermal ventilation, resolving the contradiction between security and temperature comfort.
2Reliability
If the apron is deployed to conceal the opening, then security is improved, but air circulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the apron have different qualities - the slats are designed with specific spacing and orientation to create localized air flow channels. The lower portion of the apron has greater spacing to facilitate air circulation while the upper portions maintain tighter spacing for security. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of security and air circulation.
3Productivity
If a ventilation unit is added to the apron, then air circulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apron structure serves multiple functions: it provides security through concealment, enables natural ventilation through slat spacing, and incorporates active ventilation through integrated motors. By making the apron itself multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the solution improves air circulation while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the apron structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ventilation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apron incorporates dynamic elements - the slats can be adjusted to different positions and angles, and the lower slat can be tilted to optimize air flow. This dynamic capability allows the simple basic structure to achieve effective ventilation when properly configured, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling ventilation capability through adjustable geometry rather than complex fixed structures.
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 cools the indoor space by bringing in outside air, enhancing comfort during hot summer periods and at night by reducing indoor temperatures through natural ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
The ventilation member may comprise a horizontal shaft provided at its periphery with fins
Data Source
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AI summary
Roller shutter system for an opening of a building, having an inner side and an outer side, comprising an apron (6) formed of a plurality of horizontal blades (7) interconnected by hinges, an upper horizontal means (8) for winding/unfolding the apron, so that a deployed portion of the apron, extending downwards, is able to at least partially close said opening, and slides to guide the movements for lowering and raising the deployed portion of the apron. The apron (6) is equipped, in its lower part, with a ventilation unit (16) comprising a ventilation member (32) and a motor (35) for driving said ventilation member, the ventilation unit comprising a box (17) in which at least the ventilation member (32) is installed, said box having an inlet (30) for admitting air from the outside and an outlet (31) for allowing air into the inside.