Motorized Window Treatment Control for Non-Linear Façades

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized window treatments for non-linear façades often cause frequent movements, leading to occupant distractions and aesthetic discrepancies due to differing façade angles, while prior systems fail to effectively control sunlight penetration without these issues.

Innovation Solution

A load control system with a system controller that calculates optimal positions for motorized window treatments along non-linear façades using distinct façade angles to prevent sunlight penetration beyond a desired limit, minimizing distractions and maintaining alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If motorized window treatments are automatically controlled using prior art algorithms, then sunlight penetration can be limited, but frequent movements occur causing occupant distractions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesunlight penetrationVSAvoidoccupant distractions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal window treatment positions based on predicted sun positions for upcoming time intervals. By pre-determining positions before movements are executed, the system minimizes unnecessary adjustments and reduces frequent movements that cause occupant distractions while still maintaining effective sunlight penetration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts window treatment positions based on real-time sun position data and predicted movement patterns. By continuously monitoring solar angles and calculating optimal positions, the system adapts to changing conditions while minimizing the number of movements, thereby controlling sunlight penetration without causing frequent disturbances to occupants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If motorized window treatments are controlled individually based on façade angles, then sunlight penetration can be prevented, but aesthetic alignment is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesunlight penetrationVSAvoidaesthetic alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different control strategies to different portions of the façade based on local characteristics such as façade angles and sun exposure patterns. By calculating optimal positions for each window treatment considering its specific location and orientation, the system effectively prevents sunlight penetration in each area while maintaining overall aesthetic alignment through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control of multiple window treatments by coordinating their positions based on shared aesthetic alignment criteria. While individual treatments are controlled according to their specific façade angles, the system integrates their positions to maintain visual harmony across the entire façade, combining sunlight prevention requirements with aesthetic considerations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If motorized window treatments are frequently adjusted to track sun position, then sunlight penetration is minimized, but occupant comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesunlight penetrationVSAvoidoccupant comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates optimal window treatment positions in advance for upcoming time intervals based on predicted sun positions. By determining positions before movements are executed and grouping adjustments efficiently, the system minimizes the frequency of movements, thereby maintaining effective sunlight penetration control while significantly improving occupant comfort by reducing distracting movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12509939B2Method of automatically controlling motorized window treatments

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC

AI summary

A load control system automatically controls the amount of daylight entering a building through at least one window of a non-linear façade of the building. The load control system comprises at least two motorized window treatments located along the non-linear façade, and a system controller. The controller is configured to calculate an optimal position for the motorized window treatments at each of a plurality of different times during a subsequent time interval using at least two distinct façade angles of the non-linear façade, such that a sunlight penetration distance will not exceed a maximum distance during the time interval. The controller is configured to use the optimal positions to determine a controlled position to which both of the motorized window treatments will be controlled during the time interval and to automatically adjust each of the motorized window treatments to the controlled position at the beginning of the time interval.