Smart Window Subframe Wiring Chase Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart windows with motorized shades face inefficiencies in wiring due to lack of integration with window designs, leading to disorganized and inaccessible wiring paths, which complicates installation, maintenance, and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A smart window design featuring a subframe with an internal wiring chase that organizes and routes motorized shade wiring efficiently, allowing for centralized connection to the building's electrical grid, enhancing installation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wiring is routed through holes in the frame or glass panes to connect motorized shade to electrical grid, then electrical connection is achieved, but structural integrity of glass panes is reduced and unattractive gaskets are required
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple components including a subframe with dedicated wiring chases, allowing wiring to be routed through the frame structure rather than drilling holes in glass panes. This segmentation enables electrical connection while preserving glass integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A subframe acts as an intermediary structure between the window frame and the motorized shade wiring. The subframe includes integrated wiring chases that serve as conduits for electrical wires, eliminating the need to drill holes in glass panes while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If wiring extends through window frame or glass to reach building walls for electrical grid connection, then electrical connection is established, but wiring becomes disorganized and inaccessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring chases are nested within the subframe structure, creating an organized pathway system. Wires are routed through dedicated channels in the subframe that lead to connection points on the building walls, keeping wiring organized and accessible for maintenance while maintaining electrical connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate window design and shade design are used, then design flexibility is maintained, but integration of blind designs into window designs is limited leading to inefficient wiring procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame and shade mounting structure are merged into an integrated assembly. The subframe simultaneously serves as the window frame component and the shade mounting structure, with wiring chases built-in. This merging eliminates the complexity of separate wiring procedures while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The subframe serves multiple functions: it acts as the window frame structure, provides mounting for the motorized shade, and contains integrated wiring chases for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining design adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart window including a motorized shade is provided, particularly where the smart window includes a frame portion having a first subframe and a second subframe for mounting the smart window and routing the motor wirings. In a described embodiment, the smart window comprises: a frame portion including a wiring chase positioned internal to the frame portion and a glass portion. The glass portion may comprise a motorized shade, the motorized shade including a motor, a motor wiring, and a shade roll; a first pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an exterior side of the smart window; and a second pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an interior side of the smart window; wherein the frame portion surrounds the glass portion, wherein the motorized shade is attached to the frame portion between the first pane of glass and the second pane of glass by a hanging system, and wherein the motor wiring is positioned internal to the frame portion and the wiring chase.