Abraded Exterior Window Markings to Reduce Bird Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windows with high thermal performance often reflect the sky and landscape, leading to bird collisions as birds perceive their flight path as open, resulting in significant bird fatalities annually.
Innovation Solution
A window design featuring a first transparent panel with an exterior-facing surface and a second transparent panel spaced apart by a gap, where the exterior-facing surface includes a pattern of visible markings created by laser-induced or sandblasted abrasions, which scatter electromagnetic radiation and are visible to birds, preventing them from mistaking the window for an open flight path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the window uses a smooth, reflective surface to maintain aesthetic appeal and thermal performance, then the window's visual quality and energy efficiency are improved, but bird collisions increase as birds cannot detect the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies markings that alter the optical properties of the window surface. These markings change the reflectivity and transparency characteristics, making the window visible to birds while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The markings create visual contrast that birds can detect against the otherwise reflective surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The markings serve as an intermediary element between the smooth reflective window surface and the birds. They mediate the interaction by providing visual cues that alert birds to the window's presence, bridging the gap between the aesthetic smooth surface and the need for bird detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the window surface is made transparent and smooth, then aesthetic appeal and thermal performance are maintained, but birds perceive the flight path as open leading to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies markings at specific locations and densities across the window surface. The local application of these markings provides bird detection functionality without compromising the overall aesthetic quality of the window. The markings are strategically placed to be effective for bird detection while maintaining visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The markings alter the local optical properties of the window surface, creating visual contrast that birds can detect. This localized change in optical characteristics provides the necessary warning to birds while preserving the overall transparency and aesthetic quality of the window.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If abrasions are applied to the window surface to make it visible to birds, then bird collisions are reduced, but the surface finish and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasions are designed to create optical contrast through changes in light scattering and reflection properties, not through dramatic visual alterations. This allows the surface to remain aesthetically pleasing while providing sufficient visual cues for bird detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The abrasions are applied in specific patterns and densities that provide effective bird detection while minimizing impact on overall surface appearance. The local application allows the majority of the surface to maintain its smooth, aesthetic quality.
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 visible markings on the window surface reduce bird collisions by making the window's presence apparent to birds, thereby preventing them from flying into it, while maintaining thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of markings may scatter incident electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A window includes: a first transparent panel including an exterior-facing No. 1 surface and an opposing No. 2 surface, a second transparent panel including an interior-facing No. 4 surface and an opposing No. 3 surface, where the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel are spaced apart from one another by a gap, where the No. 1 surface includes a pattern having a plurality of markings spaced at the No. 1 surface, where each of the plurality of markings include an abrasion, thereby leaving a visible marking at the No. 1 surface.