Window Drive Device Temperature-Compensated Opening Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door control systems, particularly those with drive devices for roof windows, fail to reliably prevent moisture penetration in humid external environments due to unreliable precipitation sensors, which can incorrectly report dry conditions, allowing moisture to enter the interior.

Innovation Solution

A method where the drive device operates the window to only partially open when the outside temperature falls below a preset threshold, even if the precipitation sensor indicates a dry environment, ensuring minimal moisture ingress, and allows further opening only if both temperature and precipitation conditions are met, with optional operating modes for user control and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the window is opened based solely on precipitation sensor detection, then the window can open in dry conditions, but moisture can penetrate into the interior when the sensor incorrectly reports dry conditions in humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow opening operationVSAvoidprecipitation detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors precipitation sensor output and compares it against temperature data. When the sensor reports dry conditions but temperature indicates cold outdoor environment (below threshold), the system infers potential sensor error and prevents full window opening, thereby compensating for sensor unreliability through feedback from multiple sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature data serves as an intermediary indicator to infer actual precipitation conditions. When temperature is below a predetermined threshold and sensor reports dry conditions, the system treats this as evidence of potential sensor failure, using temperature as a mediating factor to correct the unreliable precipitation detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the window is fully opened for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but moisture penetration risk increases when precipitation conditions are misdetected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulation efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial opening (first position) as a compromise between full opening for ventilation and complete closure for protection. When temperature indicates cold conditions regardless of sensor output, the window opens only partially rather than fully, providing limited ventilation while reducing moisture penetration risk through the reduced opening area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the window opening is restricted to prevent moisture penetration, then interior protection is improved, but ventilation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture prevention reliabilityVSAvoidventilation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts window opening position between closed, partially open (first position), and fully open (second position) states based on real-time evaluation of both sensor data and temperature. This dynamic response allows optimal balance between ventilation and protection under varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the opening position parameter based on temperature parameter changes. When outdoor temperature falls below the predetermined threshold, the opening position is limited to the first position regardless of precipitation sensor output, using temperature as the controlling parameter to adjust ventilation behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2626494B1Method for opening and/or closing a window, door or a similar and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 ROTO FRANK DST MARKEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2626494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2626494B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2626494B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves detecting the outside temperature in the outer area of window leaf (3) by a temperature sensor, and detecting rainfall state by precipitation sensor. The drive for displacing the blade is operated in the primary position, when the outside temperature falls below the target temperature even when dry external environment corresponds to rainfall state, with the actuation that drive is directed to open and to reach partially opened primary position in main mode, or is operated in the secondary position in which leaf is more opened than in the primary position. An independent claim is included for window or door.