S-Shaped Modular Slat for Independent Air and Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular elements for blinds and shutters fail to effectively control both air flow and light penetration, particularly in environments requiring aeration while protecting against sunlight-induced alterations.

Innovation Solution

Elongated modular slats with an S-shaped channel and a control device comprising a rotating shaft and lever system, allowing air passage while preventing light in one position and blocking both air and light in another, achieved through the integration of semi-parts and a control mechanism that adjusts the channel's openness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing modular elements are used, then light penetration is controlled, but air flow control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight penetrationVSAvoidair flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the bar can oscillate between a passive position (allowing air flow) and an active position (blocking air flow). This dynamic mechanism allows the same structure to adapt its function based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between light control and air flow management by making the air flow control adjustable rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing modular elements allow air passage, then aeration is maintained, but light penetration cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair passageVSAvoidlight penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The S-shaped channel provides a localized air passage path that is physically separated from the light-blocking function of the slat positioning. The channel's geometry allows air to flow through the slat structure independently of whether the slat is in a light-blocking or light-permeable position, thus enabling local air flow control without compromising overall light control functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing modular elements block light, then sunlight protection is achieved, but air circulation is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesunlight protectionVSAvoidair circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system allows dynamic switching between two operational states: when the slat is positioned for light blocking, the bar can be oscillated to open the S-shaped channel for air circulation; when the slat is positioned for light transmission, the bar naturally allows air flow. This dynamic configuration enables independent control of light and air functions, resolving the contradiction between sunlight protection and air circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If existing modular elements are used, then simple structure is maintained, but dual control function is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddual control function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified slat structure: the slat itself provides light control through positioning, while the integrated S-shaped channel with oscillating bar provides air flow control. This multi-functional design achieves both light and air control within a single modular element, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP3456912B1Elongated modular element, or slat , for the production of blinds, shutters, roll-up shutters, wall panels of wardrobes and casing for electrical equipment or similar
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 VALPIANI DAVIDE
  • EP3456912B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3456912B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3456912B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An elongated modular element, or "slat", for the production of blinds, shutters, roll-up shutters, wall panels of wardrobes, casing for electrical equipment or similar, characterized in that each slat comprises two semi parts (101, 201) which extend longitudinally and which are profiled and connected together to form between them an S-shaped channel (2) which opens on both fronts of the slat and further characterized in that in a first adjustment position of the semi parts (101, 201), the latter allow the passage of air and not light, whereas in a second adjustment position, they prevent the passage of both air and light.