Smart Window Hollow Profile for Integrated Functional Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windows and French doors lack integration with smart home systems and additional functional modules while maintaining a visually appealing design.

Innovation Solution

A smart window system featuring a hollow profile support device with integrated functional modules, such as sensors and actuators, that can be attached to the frame to provide additional functionality and interact with smart home systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are integrated into the window system, then the functionality and smart home integration are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed as a hollow profile that contains cavities for receiving functional modules. This nesting approach allows sensors, actuators, and other functional components to be integrated within the existing support structure, adding functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity or requiring separate mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the sash frame, offers mounting locations for functional modules through its hollow profile, and enables smart home integration. This multi-functionality approach consolidates several components into one, improving versatility while managing complexity.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the support device is designed as a hollow profile, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the volume of the support device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidvolume of support device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support device utilizes a hollow profile design that is standard in window construction. This design parameter change allows the structure to maintain sufficient structural strength while reducing material consumption and simplifying manufacturing processes through established extrusion techniques for hollow profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If functional modules are integrated within the hollow profile, then the protection from environmental influences is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental influencesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Functional modules are received within the hollow profile's cavities, which provide physical protection from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. This nesting arrangement shields sensitive electronic components while integrating them into the window structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow profile acts as an intermediary protective structure between the functional modules and the external environment. It provides a protected internal environment for sensitive components while maintaining their functionality and integration with the window system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4692498A2Smart window
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GEALAN FENSTER SYST
  • EP4692498A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692498A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692498A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Smart window comprising at least one frame and at least one sash of a window, French door or the like, and a support device wherein the support device is a hollow profile which is attached to the inside of the frame by means of fasteners such that it interacts with an edge of the sash, and the support device extends at least along a part of the inside of the frame and at least one functional module is provided within the hollow profile and/or on a surface of the support device or the frame, or within their walls.