Targeted Window Shade Control for Direct Solar Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated shade control systems are inadequate in managing direct solar radiation, as they fail to provide targeted illumination and protection for specific areas of interest, such as artwork or sensitive objects, while also considering energy efficiency and occupant comfort, due to limitations in detecting and adapting to varying light levels and solar radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
An automated shade control system that uses predictive modeling to adjust window shades based on the angles and impact of solar rays, creating targeted shadows or illumination patterns, and communicates with building management systems to optimize daylighting and reduce solar heat gain, incorporating sensors and algorithms to analyze and respond to real-time sky conditions and radiation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated shade control systems use photo sensors to detect visible light entering through windows, then the amount of daylight can be determined, but the system cannot detect solar radiation on specific objects or areas of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an area of interest detector as an intermediary device that specifically detects solar radiation on designated objects or areas. This detector works in conjunction with the existing photo sensors to provide targeted measurement capability without requiring a complete system redesign, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the detection function by separating general daylight detection (performed by photo sensors) from specific area-of-interest detection (performed by the area of interest detector). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its detection task, improving overall measurement precision for specific objects while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If window shades are adjusted to block direct solar radiation, then protection from solar penetration is improved, but natural daylighting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by adjusting window shades selectively for different areas. The area of interest detector identifies which specific objects or zones require solar protection, and the control system adjusts shades only in those localized areas rather than uniformly across all windows. This allows natural daylighting to be maintained in areas without sensitive objects while providing targeted protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predictive modeling to determine in advance which areas will be affected by direct solar radiation at different times of day. By performing preliminary action through pre-calculated shade positions based on solar trajectory and building geometry, the system can proactively protect areas of interest before solar radiation reaches them, while maintaining optimal natural daylighting in other areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If window shades are frequently adjusted to respond to changing solar conditions, then protection from solar radiation is improved, but occupant comfort is reduced due to distracting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by adjusting window shades at predetermined intervals or at specific solar positions rather than continuously responding to every change in solar conditions. The predictive modeling identifies key moments when shade adjustment is necessary, allowing the system to make periodic adjustments that provide adequate protection while minimizing frequent movements that would distract occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
By using predictive modeling to calculate optimal shade positions in advance based on solar trajectory, the system can make smooth, pre-planned adjustments rather than reactive movements. This preliminary action allows the control system to coordinate shade movements with occupancy patterns and minimize disruptions to occupant comfort while maintaining effective solar radiation protection.
Data Source
AI summary
To allow more daylighting and protect against direct solar radiation, the system may include a window shading system that impacts an area (or area of interest). The system may adjust different window shades in different ways and for different periods of time to protect against a direct solar radiation onto an area of interest. The system may provide targeted shadows onto the area of interest. The system may also analyze or predict angles of solar rays that comprise the direct solar radiation and determine an impact of the solar rays on the area of interest, wherein the adjusting of window shades is based on the determining.