Skylight Dimmer Mechanism Solar Supercapacitor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylight systems lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically control the amount of natural sunlight entering a room, which can lead to inconsistent interior illumination and energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A skylight dimmer assembly featuring a motorized dimmer mechanism powered by supercapacitors charged by photovoltaic cells, allowing for remote control operation to adjust the cross-sectional area blocking sunlight, with a controller managing energy usage and maintaining optimal illumination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized dimmer mechanism is added to control sunlight, then illumination control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a motorized dimmer mechanism that can dynamically adjust the cross-sectional area blocking sunlight. The mechanism includes a motor coupled to a dimmer mechanism with movable plates that can pivot between different angular positions to control light transmission, transforming a static skylight into a dynamic illumination control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control system with wireless receiver, controller, and remote control that mediates between the user and the motorized mechanism. This intermediary layer provides seamless control while isolating the complexity of the motorized system from direct user interaction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If supercapacitors are used to power the motor, then energy efficiency is improved, but initial energy storage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Preliminary action principle by incorporating photovoltaic cells that charge the supercapacitor(s) in advance during daylight hours. This preliminary energy storage action ensures that sufficient energy is available to power the motorized dimmer mechanism when needed, while utilizing renewable solar energy to minimize the initial energy storage requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using photovoltaic cells integrated with the skylight assembly to automatically charge the supercapacitor(s). The system serves itself by capturing solar energy and storing it locally, eliminating the need for external power sources or frequent battery replacements.
3Loss of energy
If photovoltaic cells are used to charge supercapacitors, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the photovoltaic cells, supercapacitor(s), motorized dimmer mechanism, and control system are combined into one unified skylight assembly. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate power sources and control devices, while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The skylight assembly achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously providing natural illumination, automated dimming control, and integrated solar energy harvesting. The photovoltaic cells serve dual purposes: generating power for the dimmer mechanism and charging the energy storage system, making the assembly universally functional without requiring additional separate systems.
4Ease of operation
If remote control with single-button operation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the single-button remote control that sends periodic signals to the wireless receiver. Each button press triggers a control cycle where the motor adjusts the dimmer mechanism in discrete steps, providing intuitive ease of operation while achieving sufficient illumination control precision through repeated incremental adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the position of the dimmer mechanism and adjusts motor operation accordingly. This feedback ensures that the single-button control achieves precise illumination levels by automatically determining when the desired blocking area is reached, maintaining control precision despite simplified user interaction.
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 provides seamless control over sunlight intensity, optimizing interior illumination and energy conservation by using renewable energy sources, ensuring consistent lighting throughout the day and reducing the need for battery-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic (PV) cell or other power supply is coupled to the supercapacitor to charge the supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
at least one motor is coupled to at least one supercapacitor to energize the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A dimmer mechanism is movable by a motor that is powered by solar-charged supercapacitors between a first configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks little of the interior of a skylight tube to maximize light throughput into a room, and a second configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks more of the interior of a skylight tube to reduce light throughput into the room.