Modular Window Shade Bracket for Integrated LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window shade systems face challenges in determining pocket locations for mounting and wiring, which must comply with various fire codes and accommodate different size shades while being lightweight and inexpensive, and also require efficient lighting solutions to minimize shadows and enhance aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A modular window shade pocket system with removably affixed brackets for cabling and electrical components, including a light source, that allows for flexible installation and reduced material costs by using non-plenum cabling and modular lighting options, such as LED strips, which can be adjusted for color and placement to minimize shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plenum cable with flame-resistant material is used in plenum spaces, then fire safety and smoke toxicity are improved, but material cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into two distinct zones: plenum-rated cable for the ceiling plenum space and standard cable for the room interior. This segmentation allows each cable section to be optimized for its specific location, using flame-resistant material only where required by fire codes while using lighter, less expensive material elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly has different properties in different locations: the plenum portion uses flame-resistant Teflon jacketing for fire safety, while the room interior portion uses standard PVC jacketing. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both safety and cost by applying flame-resistant material only where actually needed.
2Weight of stationary object
If non-plenum cable is used in pocket, then material cost is reduced, but fire code compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is segmented into plenum and non-plenum zones, with the transition point located at the pocket boundary. This allows standard non-plenum cable to be used in the room interior pocket while maintaining fire code compliance in the ceiling plenum space.
3Weight of stationary object
If pocket structure is made lightweight and inexpensive, then material cost is reduced, but structural strength and code compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket system is segmented into structural components (mounting brackets, pocket housing) and non-structural components (cable management, electrical components). This allows optimization of structural elements for minimum necessary strength while using lighter, less expensive materials for non-structural elements.
4Illumination intensity
If lighting is added to minimize shadows and enhance aesthetics, then visual quality is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is merged with the existing electrical components and cabling infrastructure of the window shade system. This integration approach minimizes additional complexity by utilizing the already-installed electrical pathways rather than creating separate lighting circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical components serve multiple functions: powering the window shade motor and providing illumination to minimize shadows. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating electrical infrastructure rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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 enables compliant and cost-effective installation of window shade pockets with integrated lighting that reduces material costs, minimizes shadows, and provides customizable lighting for improved aesthetics and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may include an LED
Data Source
AI summary
The window shade pocket system may comprise a pocket having an inside surface, a first wall and a second wall, wherein a roller shade is mounted within the pocket; and a first bracket removably affixed to the inside surface of the first wall of the pocket, wherein the first bracket retains a light source. The light source may include at least one of a light bulb, light bar, light strip, LED lighting or reflective device. The light source may be LED lighting that is modular or provides different colors over the window shade fabric. The light source may include a lens. The light source may be at least one of removeable from the first bracket or rotatable within the first bracket. The light source may be at least one of between the window shade and the window, or between the room and the window shade.