Window Treatment Fabric Selection for Daylight and Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window treatments lack consideration for fabric selection based on energy efficiency and occupant comfort, with fabrics typically chosen for aesthetic reasons rather than their performance in controlling daylight and glare.
Innovation Solution
A fabric selector tool that assesses environmental characteristics and fabric performance metrics to recommend optimal fabrics for window treatments, considering factors like daylight glare probability, spatial daylight autonomy, and view clarity, to enhance energy savings and occupant comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If fabric is selected based solely on visual aesthetics, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but energy efficiency and occupant comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by evaluating fabrics based on multiple performance parameters beyond aesthetics, including visible light transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient, and thermal insulation properties. The system calculates these parameters and compares them against target values to select fabrics that optimize both aesthetic and performance requirements.
2Shape
If fabric is selected based solely on visual aesthetics, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates fabric options by calculating performance parameters including visible light transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient, and thermal insulation properties, then compares these against target values that represent optimal occupant comfort conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by calculating actual fabric performance parameters and comparing them against target performance values. This comparison provides feedback on how well each fabric option meets comfort requirements, allowing iterative selection of optimal fabrics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fabric performance metrics are calculated and compared against target values, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fabric selection processes with an automated computational system that calculates performance parameters and makes selections based on algorithmic comparison against target values, substituting mechanical/manual processes with computational automation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If multiple fabric performance parameters are evaluated, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple fabric performance parameters including visible light transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient, and thermal insulation properties, transforming the selection process from aesthetic judgment to quantitative parameter comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.