Multi-stop brake for window shades

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12104436-B2
Application number	US-202318486050-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 12, 2023
Priority date	Mar 3, 2015
Publication date	Oct 1, 2024
Grant date	Oct 1, 2024

Abstract

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.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A window shade system comprising:
a first bracket;
a second bracket;
a shade tube extending between the first bracket and the second bracket;
a window shade wound around the shade tube;
a spring assembly configured to predispose the window shade to at least one of a fully extended position or a fully retracted position, wherein the spring assembly is loaded, in response to a chain within the first bracket being manually pulled; and
an electronic brake device that is engaged against a rotating hub, wherein the electronic brake device is configured to restrict the rotating hub by being engaged against the rotating hub and intermittently disengage from the rotating hub to cause the spring assembly to unload and the window shade to manually move in a plurality of positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic brake device also restricts the chain within the first bracket.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic brake device is engaged against the rotating hub, in response to the chain within the first bracket being manually pulled.

4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the electronic brake device to provide instructions for the intermittent disengaging of the rotating hub and movement of the window shade in the plurality of positions.

5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising an encoder configured to communicate with the controller, wherein the encoder is configured to track the plurality of positions of the window shade.

6. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a scheduler configured to communicate with the controller.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the scheduler is configured to provide a time of day to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to release the electronic brake device at the time of day.

8. The system of claim 4 , further comprising an automation system schedule configured to communicate with the controller, wherein the automation system schedule is configured to provide a time of day to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the electronic brake device at the time of day.

9. The system of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to track the plurality of positions of the window shade based on time.

10. The system of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote input device.

11. The system of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate over at least one of Bluetooth or WiFi with at least one of a remote input device or a smartphone.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the brake includes a solenoid.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spring assembly is a lift assist mechanism.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic brake device interfaces with a bead keeper that defines one or more presets for the plurality of positions of the window shade.

15. The system of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to receive, from a remote input device, input about an adjustment of the window shade, and wherein the adjustment is based on a suggested adjustment received by the remote input device.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the suggested adjustment is based on at least one of a calculated shadow or a calculated reflected light at a location of the interest, and wherein the suggested adjustment optimizes at least one of daylighting or internal temperature at the location of interest.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the suggested adjustment is also for adjusting an artificial lighting control system.

18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the suggested adjustment is received by the remote input device, in advance of when a calculated shadow or a calculated reflected light is to be present at a location of interest.

Assignees

• Mechoshade Sys Llc

Inventors

• Hebeisen Stephen P
• Miroshnichenko Eugene
• Liarno Xi Ming

Classifications

• Y02B80/00

  Architectural or constructional elements improving the thermal performance of buildings · CPC title

• Y02B20/40

  Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection · CPC title

• Y02A30/24

  Structural elements or technologies for improving thermal insulation · CPC title

• H05B47/105

  in response to determined parameters · CPC title

• H05B47/11

  by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light · CPC title