UV Sanitizing Window Shade Pocket System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window shade systems face challenges in sanitizing components due to varying fire codes and the need for different types of cabling, while also requiring a design that is lightweight and inexpensive, with existing solutions not effectively addressing the sanitization of window shades and their components.
Innovation Solution
A window shade pocket system incorporating an ultraviolet (UV) light source for sanitizing the roller shade and its components, along with a controller to adjust the speed and duration of UV exposure based on bacterial or viral presence, and a subsystem for dispersing sanitizing solutions, allowing for the use of non-plenum cabling and modular design to accommodate different sizes and features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light source is added to sanitize window shade, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is integrated into the existing window shade pocket structure, combining the sanitization function with the housing function. The pocket that previously only contained wiring and mechanical components now also houses the UV sanitization system, eliminating the need for separate sanitization equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The window shade pocket is transformed into a multi-functional unit that simultaneously serves as: (1) housing for wiring and mechanical components, (2) mounting structure for the roller shade, and (3) containment for the UV light source. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding sanitization capability without requiring additional separate structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If controller adjusts motor speed for UV exposure time, then sanitization quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the position of the roller shade and adjusts the motor speed dynamically to ensure the fabric receives the optimal UV exposure time. The system uses feedback from position sensing to regulate motor operation, maintaining precise control over the sanitization process while integrating seamlessly with existing motorized shade mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor speed is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to adjust exposure time based on fabric position and sanitization requirements. This dynamic control enables precise sanitization quality while utilizing the existing motor's variable speed capability, avoiding the need for entirely new control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pocket is designed to accommodate different size shades, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket structure is divided into modular components with standardized dimensions that can be combined in different configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic pocket design to accommodate various shade sizes through modular assembly, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving adaptability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket design achieves universality by incorporating adjustable and configurable elements that work across different shade sizes. The UV light source, wiring harness, and structural components are designed to adapt to various pocket dimensions, allowing a single design framework to serve multiple size requirements without compromising manufacturing precision.
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 effectively sanitizes window shades and components, reduces the need for expensive plenum cabling, and provides a modular, cost-effective solution that meets various fire code requirements while ensuring the sanitization of window shades and surrounding areas.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light source within the pocket. The UV light source may at least partially sanitize at least one of the roller shade, the pocket or components within the pocket
Data Source
AI summary
A window shade pocket system comprises a pocket; a roller shade mounted within the pocket; and an ultraviolet (UV) light source within the pocket. The system may also include a controller that controls a motor engaged to the roller shade, wherein the controller controls the speed of the motor to allow a portion of the roller shade to be under the UV light source for a predetermined amount of time to allow for sanitization of the portion of the roller shade. The method may comprise adjusting, by a processor, a roller shade within a pocket; and activating, by the processor, an ultraviolet (UV) light source within the pocket, wherein the UV light source sanitizes at least a portion of the roller shade.