Window Shutter Slat Automation Inside Swinging Door Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adjustable slats on swinging window shuttered doors are manually operated, requiring user effort and manual access, leading to thermal inefficiency and energy waste due to manual opening of windows.

Innovation Solution

An integrated automation system with a compact electrical drive device and control box automates the rotation of shutter slats, using a micro-geared motor and bevel gear system connected to mechanical synchronization bars, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of slats is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must open the window to access the control knob

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated electrical system. A motorized actuator is installed within the window frame to automatically adjust the slats, eliminating the need for users to manually open the window and operate the external knob. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system directly improves ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the window is opened manually to operate slats, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of energy increases due to thermal dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing manual operation with an automated motorized system installed within the closed window frame, the patent eliminates the need to open the window for slat adjustment. This allows the window to remain closed, preventing thermal dispersion and energy loss while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system that mediates between the user's operational needs and the window's thermal insulation requirements. The motorized actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables slat adjustment without requiring window opening, thus preventing direct thermal exchange between interior and exterior environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If automated drive device is installed, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the automated drive device with the existing window frame structure. The motorized actuator is integrated into the frame, and its control system is coordinated with the window's existing mechanical components. This merging approach reduces the overall device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated drive device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls slat adjustment, integrates with the window frame structure, and can be controlled through various interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 energy-efficient, automated operation of shutter slats, enhancing comfort and reducing thermal dispersion, while maintaining aesthetic integrity and protecting the device from external exposure.

Implementation Method 1

an electric micro-geared motor combined with a bevel gear system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electric micro-geared motor combined with a bevel gear system (pinion-gear) which, connected to the existing mechanical synchronization of the slats, transmits the necessary movement to rotate the shutter slats

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical gear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

an integrated control box containing an electronic control board, radio receiver and rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4653658A1Integrated automation system to operate the adjustable slats of swinging window shuttered window door
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 CAVALIERI DUCATI LORENZO
  • EP4653658A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4653658A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4653658A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

the automation system to remotely operate the adjustable slats on a swinging window shuttered door according to the present invention, automates the rotation of the shutter slats to control the amount of light entering through the window, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention. The automation system maximizes the energy efficiency of the building by regulating the amount of light and air that passes through the slats, avoiding the thermal dispersion that would result from having to open the glass window. The invention includes an compact electrical drive device (100) that is fitted inside the frame of the swinging shuttered window door. The frive device is coupled to the mechanical synchronization leverage of the shutter slats, the drive device is controlled by a low-consumption electronic board with integrated radio receiver placed inside a control unit (200) and powered by an integrated rechargeable battery or mains AC power supply. All the parts of the invention are small enough to be installed inside the shuttered swinging window frame resulting invisible form the outside. The user can remotely control the opening and closing of the shutters by means of a radio remote control or by a wired push button.