Window Shade Position Guidance for Low-Cost Daylight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective system to notify individuals of optimal times to adjust window coverings to optimize energy efficiency and environmental control in buildings, as existing automation systems are often too expensive for budget-constrained organizations.
Innovation Solution
A system that models building and surroundings to calculate shadow and reflected light presence, communicating suggested adjustments to lighting, HVAC, and shading systems, allowing for manual or automated adjustments without the need for expensive electronic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated control systems are installed to optimize window covering adjustments, then energy efficiency and environmental control are improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification system as an intermediary between environmental conditions and manual window covering adjustments. The system calculates optimal adjustment times based on building models, shadow models, and environmental data, then notifies occupants when to manually adjust coverings. This intermediary approach achieves energy efficiency improvements without requiring direct automated control of window coverings, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining productivity benefits.
2Ease of operation
If expensive automated shading systems are deployed, then precise control of window coverings is achieved, but budget constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing occupants with knowledge of optimal window covering adjustment times through notifications. Rather than requiring expensive automated mechanisms, the system empowers users to make informed manual adjustments based on calculated environmental factors. This approach achieves precise control outcomes through human action guided by systematic information, maintaining budget feasibility while improving ease of operation through better-informed decision-making.
3Device complexity
If manual window coverings are used without automation, then system cost is reduced, but energy optimization opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of shadow models, building models, and environmental conditions to determine optimal window covering adjustment times before notifying occupants. This preliminary action provides advance knowledge of when manual adjustments should occur, preventing energy waste from missed optimization opportunities while maintaining simple manual covering systems. The preparatory computational work enables timely manual intervention without requiring complex real-time automated control.
4Loss of time
If automated notification systems are implemented, then energy-efficient adjustment timing is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the notification function from the window covering control system itself, separating the informational role from the mechanical control role. The notification system independently calculates optimal timing based on environmental models and communicates this information to occupants, who then perform the actual adjustments. This extraction allows the timing optimization function to be implemented through relatively simple notification mechanisms rather than expensive integrated automated control systems, reducing overall system cost while achieving energy-efficient timing.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes information and data from analysis systems about optimal window covering positions that is communicated to building occupants. The analysis system communicates information to the occupant via the occupant's client computer to allow the occupant to fully or partially adjust the position of a manual shade or motorized shade, without the need for the analysis system to fully or partially electronically control the shades. The system may also adjust window covering systems and other systems to ensure desired or optimal daylight exposure in order promote optimal circadian functionality in the occupants.