Switchable Window Masking for Optical Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windows lack the ability to seamlessly integrate optical sensor surfaces without compromising their aesthetic appeal or functionality, as traditional masking systems obstruct light and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A window design featuring a masking area with switchable regions that can transition between open and closed configurations, allowing for the installation of optical sensor surfaces while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality by increasing optical transparency in the open configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a masking is arranged along the edge of the pane module to protect gaskets and promote pane attachment, then the functional mask achieves protective and aesthetic purposes, but the mask obstructs light transmission and prevents installation of optical sensor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The masking area is divided into a first region and a second region. The first region is switchable between open and closed configurations, while the second region remains fixed. This segmentation allows the masking to provide protection when closed and allow light transmission when open, resolving the contradiction between protective function and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The first region of the masking is made switchable/dynamic between open and closed configurations. This dynamic capability allows the masking to adapt its state based on functional requirements - closed for protection and aesthetic appearance, open for light transmission and optical sensor installation.
2Shape
If a fixed masking system is used to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the window achieves consistent visual appeal, but the window cannot be retrofitted with optical sensor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable first region provides adaptability by allowing the masking to be moved to an open configuration when optical sensor surfaces need to be installed or accessed, while maintaining the closed configuration for aesthetic appearance. This dynamic feature enables both aesthetic consistency and retrofit capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The window is designed with a switchable masking system in advance, preparing the structure for potential future installation of optical sensor surfaces. This preliminary design consideration enables easy retrofitting without compromising the aesthetic appearance or requiring structural modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the masking area is divided into switchable and fixed regions, then the window allows installation of optical sensor surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking area is segmented into a switchable first region and a fixed second region. This segmentation provides installation flexibility for optical sensor surfaces while keeping the fixed second region simple. The division allows complexity to be localized only where needed for adaptability.
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
Enables the retrofitting of optical sensor surfaces, such as photovoltaic cells, without altering the window's appearance or functionality, while optimizing light transmission and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
the first region in the open configuration is of increased optical transparency compared to the optical transparency through the first region in the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the window comprises one or more installation space(s) arranged beneath the first region and outside the see-through area and wherein the installation space(s) is (or are) arranged to accommodate an installation of at least one optical sensor surface of one or more optical sensor devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a window (1), such as a roof window (1), for a building (25), said window (1) comprising a window frame (2) and a sash (3) mounted thereon, wherein the sash (3) comprises a pane module (4) comprising at least a first glass pane (7) and a see-through area (13), the window (1) further comprises a masking (10) arranged in a masking area (9), wherein the masking area (9) is arranged along an edge of the pane module and arranged to cover the pane module (4) so that the masking (10) reduces the visibility of at least a part of the sash (3) and/or window frame (2), when viewed from an exterior side towards an interior side of the pane module, wherein the masking area (9) is divided into one or more first region(s) (11) and one or more second region(s) (12), and wherein the masking of each first region(s) (11a) is switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the masking (11a) covers a part of the pane module (4) and wherein in the open configuration the masking (11a) exposes the part of the pane module (4), so that the first region (11) in the open configuration is of increased optical transparency compared to the optical transparency through the first region (11) in the closed configuration, and wherein in at least the open configuration, the window (1) comprises one or more installation space(s) (19) arranged beneath the first region (11) and outside the see-through area (13) and wherein the installation space(s) (19) are arranged to accommodate an instalment of at least one optical sensor surface (16) of one or more optical sensor devices, so that the optical sensor surface (16) is exposed to light provided through the first region (11).