Thermal Gas Actuation for Automatic Hollow-Slat Shade Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shading devices lack an environmentally friendly automatic shade actuating system that operates without electric energy, adjusts to different latitudes, and is cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A parasol with hollow slats containing a gas that expands or contracts due to heat, using a pressure-sensitive element and thread mechanism to rotate the slats, adjusting their angle to regulate shade, comprising a supporting structure, movable assembly, and fixing bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional shading devices are used, then shade regulation is achieved, but electric energy consumption and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shading device uses a gas-filled hollow slat that automatically expands and contracts in response to sunlight intensity, eliminating the need for external power sources or control systems. The gas expansion directly actuates the slat rotation mechanism through a piston, making the system self-regulating and environmentally friendly while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electric motors or pneumatic actuators with a thermal-mechanical system where solar heat causes gas expansion, which then mechanically drives the slat rotation. This substitution eliminates complex electrical systems while achieving automatic shade regulation through natural thermal processes.
2Extent of automation
If complex automatic actuating systems are implemented, then automated shade control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates complex control electronics, power supplies, and actuation mechanisms from traditional automatic shading systems. By using only the essential thermal expansion property of gas and a simple piston-linkage mechanism, the system achieves automation with minimal structural complexity and lower cost.
3Reliability
If shade regulation system is designed for specific latitude, then optimal performance is achieved, but adaptability to different locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different solar conditions through the inherent responsiveness of gas expansion to temperature changes. The hollow slat automatically adjusts its angle based on real-time sunlight intensity, allowing the same device to perform optimally across various latitudes without requiring manual reconfiguration or location-specific design modifications.
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 system provides autonomous, energy-efficient shade regulation adaptable to varying sunlight conditions, maintaining effectiveness while being inexpensive to implement and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The sun's heat engenders the expansion of the gas within the slat, instigating movement of the pressure piston, thereby altering the angle of the slat to regulate the shade.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes an automatic shade actuating system that includes a supporting structure and at least one hollow slat connected to it. The slat encloses a gas and is designed to rotate through a movable assembly located at its distal end. The movable assembly comprises a pressure-sensitive element and a receiving member connected by a thread. The periphery of the pressure-sensitive element is sealed and pressed against the slat's interior. The receiving member is attached to the supporting structure by fasteners, and a fixing bracket with a pivot axis allows the slat to rotate. When the gas inside the slat heats up, it expands, thereby pressing the pressure-sensitive element inside the receiving member. The pressure applied by the gas during expansion drives the pressure-sensitive element to rotate as it follows the thread, resulting in the rotation of the slat.