Window shade system with radiant heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems often have a slow response time and limited capacity in providing comfort, especially when a space has been unheated for an extended period, leading to indirect and inefficient heating, and there is a desire to reduce energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A window shade system with integrated radiant heating fabric that is controlled by a controller to supply electric current based on occupant comfort levels, ambient, and cabin temperatures, coordinating with the HVAC system to quickly and efficiently provide heating and reduce blower operation when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a traditional HVAC system is used for heating, then the system can condition the space temperature, but the response time is slow and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating response timeVSAvoidHVAC system energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is segmented from the traditional HVAC system and implemented as a separate radiant heating layer integrated into the window shade. This allows independent control of radiant heating without requiring full HVAC system operation, reducing energy consumption while achieving faster thermal response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window shade with radiant heating fabric acts as an intermediary heating element between the HVAC system and the occupants. It provides direct radiant heat transfer to occupants and surfaces, eliminating the time lag associated with heating air through conventional HVAC systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the HVAC system runs continuously to maintain comfort, then temperature stability is achieved, but energy usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin temperature stabilityVSAvoidHVAC system energy usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The radiant heating fabric is activated periodically or on-demand based on occupancy detection and temperature sensing, rather than continuous HVAC operation. The system provides supplemental radiant heat during periods when occupants are present and cold conditions exist, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect ambient temperature, cabin temperature, and occupancy status to provide feedback control. This allows the radiant heating to be activated only when needed, maintaining temperature stability through responsive control rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If the window shade is made opaque for thermal insulation, then heat loss is reduced, but visibility and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat loss through windowVSAvoidwindow transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The window shade is designed with selective transparency - the fabric material provides thermal insulation properties while maintaining visual transparency. This allows the shade to reduce heat loss through the window while preserving visibility and aesthetic appearance, avoiding the need for complete opacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 system provides rapid and efficient heating comfort to occupants with low power consumption and noiseless operation, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional HVAC systems by directly addressing cold sources and reducing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

A radiant heating fabric extends over at least a portion of the window shade. A power supply is configured to supply electric current to the radiant heating fabric.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A radiant heating material is incorporated into the window shade... The radiant heating fabric extends over at least a portion of the window shade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10493995B2Window shade system with radiant heating
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10493995B2 patent drawing
  • US10493995B2 patent drawing
  • US10493995B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems are provided for radiant heating by a window shade. A window shade system for a window of an enclosed space includes a window shade configured to cover at least a portion of the window. A radiant heating fabric extends over at least a portion of the window shade. A power supply supplies electric current to the radiant heating fabric.