Slat-Based Window Covering Control for Daylight and Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated window covering systems are limited by high costs, lack of widespread installation due to inefficiencies, and limited functionality, particularly in commercial settings, where they fail to effectively control daylight and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a master module and slave modules connected via a communication network that controls slat-based window coverings, allowing for precise adjustment of daylight admission, with features like position feedback, error correction, and energy-efficient operation, including sunlight intensity sensing and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rollershades are used to cover windows, then the covered portion becomes opaque (0% transmissivity), but the uncovered portion remains at 100% transmissivity creating variance and allowing unimpeded sunlight through the uncovered segment
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (slats) that can be adjusted individually. Each slat can be tilted to a specific angle to control light transmission, allowing uniform adjustment across the entire window surface rather than treating the window as a single unit. This segmentation enables precise control of daylight admission while preventing the variance problem of rollershades.
Solution Approach 2:
The slat-based system provides dynamic control where each slat can be adjusted to different positions and angles. The system transitions from static coverage (rollershade either up or down) to dynamic, continuously adjustable positioning. Each slat can be tilted to optimize light transmission, and the entire blind can be lifted or lowered to different heights, providing flexible and uniform control throughout the day.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual motorization and control packages are installed for tilt and lift functions, then flexibility for controlling light admittance is significantly increased, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for tilt and lift operations are merged into a single integrated control system. Rather than requiring separate motorization packages for each function, the system combines control capabilities in one unit, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full functionality for both tilting slats and lifting the blind.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single control package handles multiple operations (tilt control, lift control, positioning). This universal controller can perform disparate tasks of both tilting and lifting functions, eliminating the need for specialized separate systems and reducing overall device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If complex control algorithms are implemented to determine roll shade position based on time of year, geographical location, and orientation, then automated window covering benefits are achieved, but system cost becomes too expensive for home automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable parameters and settings that can be configured for specific applications without requiring complex algorithms. By allowing users to set parameters such as desired light levels, temperature thresholds, and operational schedules, the system achieves automated control through simple parameter-based logic rather than complex computational algorithms, making it cost-effective for residential use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus, system, method, computer program, and computer program product for controlling window coverings to adjust admitted daylight. More particularly, the present disclosure plates to a control system for controlling the amount of daylight admitted through adjustable window coverings. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a stand-alone open loop proportional control subsystem including a calculation or algorithm that is operable to convert a sunlight sensor signal to a blind slat position based on a predetermined curve stored in memory. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system is operable to transmit the sunlight sensor information, for example, such as in Lux, to an external system, which may then provide blind slat position requests based on some other curve, algorithm, or user need. The blind slat position may be controlled by the system to avert undesirable solar heat gains and also achieve significant daylight harvesting.