Window Screen Positioning via Moving Sensor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window screening devices with electric drives are complex, expensive, and energy-intensive due to the need for multiple sensors for precise positioning, which can lead to obstruction, damage, and aesthetic issues during window cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A window screening device with a screen of variable length and a positionable free end, featuring an electric drive, a manually adjustable position indicator, and a sensor arrangement connected to a circuit or processor to accurately control the screen's position, allowing for intuitive user interface and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to achieve precise positioning of the venetian blind at various positions, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from multiple fixed sensors and concentrates it into a single sensor that moves with the blind. This single sensor detects its own position relative to the frame, eliminating the need for multiple sensors distributed throughout the window frame, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor serves multiple positioning functions simultaneously by detecting its position at different locations along the travel path. Instead of requiring separate sensors for each position, one sensor provides universal positioning capability across the entire range of motion, reducing both complexity and cost
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed on the frame to enable precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for multiple sensors from the frame structure and replaces them with a single sensor integrated into the moving blind assembly. This extraction of the sensing function from the frame reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while achieving the same positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical sensors distributed on the frame, the patent uses a single sensor that copies the positioning function by detecting its own position at different locations during travel. This single sensor effectively replaces multiple sensors, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Measurement precision
If fixed sensors are mounted on the window frame to detect blind position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation during cleaning deteriorates due to obstruction and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting sensors on the stationary frame as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by mounting the sensor on the moving blind itself. This inversion eliminates the obstruction problem during cleaning, as the sensor is now part of the blind assembly rather than a fixed element on the window frame
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensor from the frame structure and relocates it to the blind assembly. This extraction eliminates the conflict between fixed sensors and cleaning operations, as the sensor moves with the blind and does not obstruct access to the window surface during cleaning
4Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of sensors are used to provide freedom in choosing screen positions, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning detection function from multiple fixed sensors and consolidates it into a single moving sensor. This single sensor continuously detects its position and signals only when needed, eliminating the continuous signaling requirement of multiple fixed sensors and reducing energy consumption while maintaining positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The moving sensor serves itself by detecting its own position relative to the frame during travel. Instead of requiring multiple sensors throughout the system, the single sensor autonomously determines its position and provides feedback, reducing the overall sensor count and associated energy consumption while maintaining adaptability
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and robust user interface for adjusting the screen's position, ensuring high flexibility in positioning without damaging components during cleaning, while maintaining an aesthetically appealing design.
Implementation Method 1
an sensor arrangement configured for detecting a difference between the actual longitudinal position of the free end and the actual longitudinal position of the position indicator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A screening device (100,101,102,103,104) for screening a window (1). The screening device includes a screen (5) with a variable length (L), a fixed width (W) between two edges of the screen (5) and with a positionable free end (4). The longitudinal position of the free end (4) determines the length (L) of the screen (5). An electric drive is operably connected to the screen (5) for adjusting the longitudinal position of the free end (4). An elongated guide member parallel with the two edges is arranged adjacent to one of the two edges. A position indicator (6) is provided for manually indicting a desired longitudinal position of the free end. The longitudinal position of the position indicator (6) is freely manually adjustable by an operator to any longitudinal position along the elongated guide element. The screening device has a sensor arrangement configured for detecting a difference between the actual longitudinal position of the free end (4) and the actual longitudinal position of the position indicator (6). The screening device also includes a circuit or processor connected to the sensor arrangement. The circuit or processor is configured to operate the electric drive with the aim to reduce the detected difference between the actual longitudinal position of the free end (4) and the actual longitudinal position of the position indicator (6). It is suggested that Fig. 3 is published with the abstract.