Sheep’s Wool Textile Window Frames for Indoor Humidity Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern buildings constructed with reinforced concrete often experience inadequate indoor climate quality, particularly due to humidity issues near exterior walls, and existing window solutions do not effectively address these problems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a textile made of virgin sheep's wool, preferably Merino wool, on the inside of the window frame and sash, which provides humidity regulation, antibacterial properties, and self-cleaning effects, enhancing the indoor climate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a window frame is made of standard materials (aluminum, plastic, wood) to provide structural support and protection, then mechanical strength and weather resistance are achieved, but the indoor climate quality deteriorates due to inadequate humidity regulation near exterior walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidhumidity issues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining traditional frame materials (aluminum, plastic, or wood) with a textile containing virgin sheep's wool. This composite structure integrates the mechanical strength of conventional materials with the humidity-regulating properties of sheep's wool, creating a frame that simultaneously provides structural support and active moisture management through the textile layer applied to its surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selectively applying the sheep's wool textile to specific areas of the frame where humidity regulation is most needed, particularly on the inside surface near exterior walls. This localized application targets the problem areas without requiring modification of the entire frame structure, allowing precise humidity control where it is most beneficial for indoor climate quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If aluminum shells are added to protect the frame from weather and UV radiation, then durability and weather resistance are improved, but the complexity of the window structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the frame structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The frame provides mechanical support, weather protection, and UV resistance, while the added sheep's wool textile contributes humidity regulation, thermal insulation, and aesthetic value. This multi-functional approach consolidates various protective and regulatory functions into an integrated system, reducing the need for separate components and thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the frame surface is left bare to maintain simplicity and ease of cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but the indoor climate quality deteriorates due to lack of humidity regulation and antibacterial properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidindoor climate quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through the inherent properties of virgin sheep's wool in the textile coating. The wool fibers provide automatic humidity regulation by absorbing and releasing moisture according to ambient conditions, requiring no active control or maintenance. The antibacterial properties of the wool naturally prevent mold and bacteria growth on the frame surface, and the textile's structure facilitates easy cleaning while maintaining these functional benefits throughout the window's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 use of sheep's wool textile enhances humidity regulation, provides a pleasant tactile experience, and improves indoor climate quality by regulating moisture and offering antibacterial and self-cleaning benefits.

Implementation Method 1

arranging a corresponding textile on the inside of a window can achieve advantageous humidity regulation in the interior, especially since particularly high or low humidity often prevails in a window area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidity regulation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the hydrophobic properties of virgin sheep's wool can be used particularly advantageously in connection with a window, especially when cleaning a window pane with a liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

the antibacterial and self-cleaning effects of sheep's wool on the window frame are advantageous, especially if the window frame is opened frequently and thus operated manually

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibacterial effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4053371B1Window
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 MFR MATAUSCHEK GMBH
  • EP4053371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053371B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a window (1) with a frame (2). In order to achieve a favorable indoor climate when installed in a building, the invention provides that the frame (2) is at least partially, preferably completely, covered on the inside with a textile containing sheep's wool.