Smart Window System Integrating Sensors for Automated Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack integrated solutions for remotely monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and security aspects of windows and doors, such as breakage detection, weather responses, and energy management, which are essential for energy conservation and security.
Innovation Solution
A smart window system equipped with sensors, a processing device, and a network interface that can receive data from various sensors, determine criteria-based actions, and command motors or other devices to respond to environmental conditions and security threats, integrating with other IoT systems for comprehensive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional window systems are used without integrated sensors and control, then device complexity is low, but security monitoring and energy management capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (security sensing, environmental monitoring, motorized control, network communication) into an integrated window system with a unified computer system that coordinates all components, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The window system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - security detection via sensors, environmental monitoring for energy management, automated motorized operation, and network communication - allowing a single system to address diverse requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems
2Loss of energy
If manual window operation is used, then energy management is simple, but energy efficiency and responsiveness to environmental conditions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions (temperature, light, weather) and feed this information back to the computer system, which then automatically adjusts window operation to optimize energy efficiency based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The window system autonomously monitors its own state and environmental conditions, making automated decisions about opening/closing operations without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving energy efficiency through continuous adaptive control
3Reliability
If basic sensor monitoring is implemented, then security detection capability is improved, but remote control and integrated system response are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system acts as an intermediary between the sensors (breakage detection, environmental monitoring) and the motorized actuators, coordinating their operations and enabling intelligent decision-making about when and how to respond to detected conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical window operation with motorized actuators controlled by the computer system, allowing automated response to sensor inputs and remote control capabilities through network communication
Data Source
AI summary
A window is described, comprising a frame, a sash, a window pane mounted in the sash, a computer system, the computer system comprising a housing, the housing configured to be mounted into a receiving area of the frame, into the sash, into a window valence, or into a window casing. A processing device is located within the housing. Non-transitory memory located within the housing configured to store instructions to be executed by the processing device, a network interface, at least a first sensor fixed to the casing, frame, or window pane, the first sensor coupled to the computer system, wherein the computer system is configured to take at least a first action in response to at least a first sensor reading from the first sensor.