Stackable Bifocal Slats for Glare-Free Zenith Light Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-directing slats for blinds suffer from asymmetrical cross sections leading to stress distribution issues, warping, glare, and inefficient energy management, particularly with zenith light, and fail to stack cleanly.
Innovation Solution
Designing stackable slats with symmetrical cross sections and variable edge zones that reflect light back into the sky or direct it into the interior, using complementary contours to ensure precise light and energy distribution without glare, allowing for bifocal and monofocal functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slats are configured with asymmetrical cross sections to direct light in specific directions, then light directing function is improved, but stress distribution becomes uneven causing warping and manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in a controlled manner by creating symmetrical cross-sections with identical wing elements on both sides. This symmetrical design ensures uniform stress distribution during manufacturing and installation, eliminating warping issues while maintaining the ability to direct light through the angular configuration of the folded slats. The symmetry resolves the contradiction by providing structural balance without sacrificing light directing capability.
2Illumination intensity
If slats are designed with high light transmission to illuminate interiors, then illumination intensity is improved, but interiors become overheated due to excessively high transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional zones of the slat cross-section. The wing elements are specifically configured with angular orientations that prioritize light reflection and direction while maintaining selective thermal management. The metallic reflector lustre on the top side enhances light reflection locally, allowing high light transmission without proportional heat transmission, thus illuminating interiors effectively while preventing overheating.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If slats in lower window region are configured to direct light out to prevent glare, then glare is reduced, but zenith light cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating an adjustable slat assembly where the orientation and angular position of slats can be modified. This allows the system to dynamically adapt to different lighting conditions: when zenith light is present, slats can be positioned to reflect it into the interior; when direct sunlight causes glare, slats can be oriented to direct light outward. The movable configuration resolves the contradiction by providing context-dependent light management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If slats have different cross-sectional contours for upper and lower regions to optimize light direction, then light distribution is improved, but stacking and assembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized symmetrical cross-section that serves multiple functions and positions within the slat assembly. The identical wing elements and fold structures can function in both upper and lower regions, and the symmetrical geometry enables consistent stacking behavior throughout the assembly. This universal design allows differentiated light distribution through angular configuration rather than contour variation, resolving the contradiction between optimization and assembly ease.
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
The solution enables efficient light and energy management, preventing glare and overheating, while ensuring slats can be stacked and fitted together seamlessly, providing uniform interior illumination with zenith light direction.
Implementation Method 1
slats having metallic reflector lustre at least at the top side thereof, wherein the slats are at least partly folded in the longitudinal direction... one fold side faces the incident lateral light... direct light into the interior
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to stackable slats for directing light as a preliminary product for blind sun protection hangings for directing light: the slats are folded in the longitudinal direction and have a lateral light shadow side and a lateral light irradiation side vis-à-vis lateral light from the upper half-space. At least two slats lying one on top of another have at least partly a fold-shaped contour zone K, in which the slats are able to be placed one on top of another shape-complementarily, and also at least one edge zone RZ. An upper slat lying on a bottom slat in the installation state at least in an edge zone RZ on the lateral light incidence side has at least one larger fold angle 3 and/or 4 relative to the contour zone K. At least one edge zone RZ of a top slat is shaped differently from an edge zone RZ of a bottom slat. With the slat preliminary products bifocal blind sun protection hangings are producible, by means of which in the lower hanging region through the bottom slats lateral light is able to be reflected back substantially into the half-space of the light incidence and in the upper region of the blind sun protection hanging through the overlying slats lateral light with high angles of incidence from the sun is able to be reflected at least partly into the half-space opposite the lateral light incidence. Lateral light incidence is able to be reflected back into the half-space of the light incidence by way of the shape-complementary contour zone K.