Retrofit Window Drive With Neutral Backup Energy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding windows lack smart automation capabilities, requiring costly frame replacements and specialized installation skills for motorized control, making retrofit solutions necessary for cost-effective and skill-efficient motorized window operation.
Innovation Solution
An automated window mechanism with a motor, transmission component, and processor that allows for motorized control of existing windows, featuring a backup mechanism to release energy and adjust movement direction, enabling simple installation and minimal skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complete frame replacement is used for automated sliding windows, then motorized control capability is achieved, but installation cost and construction skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated window system is divided into separate functional modules: a motor unit, a transmission component, and a window interface. This segmentation allows the automation mechanism to be installed independently on existing windows without replacing the entire frame structure, thereby achieving motorized control while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A transmission component acts as an intermediary between the motor unit and the window, enabling the motor to transfer power to the window for automated operation. This intermediary mechanism allows retrofits on existing windows by providing a bridge between the new motorized system and the existing window structure, avoiding the need for complete frame replacement
2Extent of automation
If the transmission component operates continuously without energy release, then motorized control is maintained, but energy storage and emergency manual operation capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission component is designed with a backup mechanism that预先 stores energy during motorized operation. This preliminary energy storage enables the window to be manually operated in emergency situations or when power is unavailable, enhancing system reliability without compromising automated control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission component can change its operational parameters between storing energy during motorized operation and releasing energy to enable manual operation. This parameter change allows the same component to serve dual purposes: maintaining motorized control while providing emergency manual override capability
Data Source
AI summary
An automated window mechanism is disclosed, including a motor secured to a window, the window being in a frame and wherein the motor causes the window to move relative to the frame in two directions: an open direction being defined as a direction toward which movement of the window relative to the frame causes the window to be more closed, and a closed direction defined as a direction opposite the open direction. The mechanism also includes a transmission component that transfers power from the motor to movement of the window relative to the frame, the transmission component having a backup defined as a distance the transmission component can move from a first point at which further movement in the open direction will cause the window to begin moving in the open direction, and a second point at which further movement in the closed direction will cause the window to begin moving in the closed direction. The mechanism also includes a processor and memory storing one or more computer-readable instructions executable by the processor to perform acts. The acts include instructing the motor to move the window relative to the frame, and upon the window reaching a desired position relative to the frame, reversing the transmission component into a neutral range within the backup to release energy stored in the transmission component.