Window Shade Solar Panel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial and residential buildings face high costs due to significant electricity consumption from the power grid, and existing window shades do not effectively harness solar energy to reduce this consumption.
Innovation Solution
A window shade system integrated with solar panels that converts solar energy into electricity, which can be used to power buildings, reduce grid electricity consumption, and store surplus energy for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are integrated into window shades, then electricity generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines window shade and solar panel into a single integrated unit. The solar panels are embedded within the shade structure, allowing the same component to perform both shading and electricity generation functions simultaneously, thereby improving power generation capability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated window shade system serves multiple functions: it provides solar shading for the building while simultaneously generating electricity. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both thermal comfort and energy production needs, improving overall system efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into window shades, then use of energy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electricity through integrated solar panels, reducing dependence on external power sources. The generated energy can power the shade's operation and control systems, allowing the device to partially sustain itself and improve energy utilization while minimizing additional complexity through self-sufficiency.
3Reliability
If mounting bracket with electrical contacts is used, then electrical connectivity is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with separate, modular electrical contacts (ground contact and hot contact) that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows for flexible assembly and testing of electrical connectivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized contact components and straightforward installation procedures.
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 reduces electricity costs by generating electricity from solar energy while providing shading and light transmission, capable of producing 100 peak Watts per square meter, and can store or return excess energy to the grid.
Implementation Method 1
The first solar panel is configured to receive solar energy, to transform the solar energy received by the first solar panel into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A window shade system includes a mounting bracket configured to couple to a structure, a shade tube bracket configured to rotatably couple with the mounting bracket, and a shade coupled to the shade tube bracket and having a solar panel. The solar panel is electrically coupled with an external system via the shade tube bracket and the mounting bracket. The solar panel is configured to receive solar energy, transform the solar energy into electricity, and provide the electricity to the external system.