Slit Fabric Curtain Assembly for Tension-Based Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curtain systems require significant movement to change light and air transmission properties, leading to inefficiencies in energy conservation and daylight optimization in building facades, particularly in glazed building systems that suffer from heat gain, light pollution, and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A curtain system with a flexible fabric panel featuring a plurality of slits arranged in an array, allowing for tension-based control between closed and open states, enabling adjustable light transmission with minimal movement, utilizing actuators to stretch and relax the panel along a longitudinal axis, thereby controlling the size of openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional curtain panel is moved to change light transmission, then the amount of light allowed through changes, but the entire panel must be moved significantly which consumes excessive energy and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain panel is segmented into multiple independent tension members (strings, wires, or cables) running vertically through the panel. By selectively tensioning or relaxing individual segments, the panel can be locally deformed to create openings without moving the entire panel, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional panel movement (moving the entire curtain across the window) to three-dimensional deformation (creating localized openings by tensioning members within the panel). This allows light transmission control through vertical deformation of the panel fabric rather than horizontal movement, saving energy and space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curtain panel is moved to change light transmission, then the amount of light allowed through changes, but the overall position of the panel must change substantially requiring limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple tension members that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows localized deformation to create openings of various sizes and positions without moving the entire panel, enabling versatile light transmission control within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension members can be dynamically adjusted between tensioned and relaxed states to create different opening configurations. This dynamic control allows the same panel structure to adapt to different lighting requirements without requiring additional space or permanent structural changes.
3Ease of operation
If a curtain panel is moved to change light transmission, then the amount of light allowed through changes, but tremendous amounts of energy transfer through the window
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple independently controllable tension members, allowing precise control over which areas of the panel are opened or closed. This enables selective light transmission control to optimize energy efficiency by closing portions of the panel during high heat gain periods while maintaining adjustability when needed.
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
This solution allows for precise control of light transmission with reduced energy consumption and aesthetic flexibility, enhancing energy efficiency and daylight utilization in building designs by minimizing the amount of movement required to adjust light levels.
Implementation Method 1
a panel of flexible fabric having a first axis in which the panel is arranged to be loaded under varying tension loads to shift between a closed state when relaxed and an open state when under tension
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain assembly includes a curtain, or panel of flexible material, such as fabric, forming a generally smooth surface extending between a first anchor assembly and a second anchor assembly. Slits through the fabric are sized and arranged to be stretched opened to form respective openings in response to relatively small amounts of stretching of the panel between the two anchor assemblies with a tension force. The openings may be re-closed by allowing the panel to return to a relaxed state. The opening and closing action can be repeated according to new methods to controllably vary the amount of light that the curtain assembly allows through the panel. The curtain assembly may be used as part of various larger assemblies and in various environments.