SmarterShade prototype; Will McLeod, Ryan Tatzel
SmarterShade
SmarterShade is an idea created by three students from the University of Notre Dame, Will McLeod (BS Engineering/ Design), Mike Stacey (MBA 2007), and Ryan Tatzel (BS Engineering/ Computer Science 2010). It started out as an idea and turned into an award winning business plan. The University of Notre Dame was more than happy to point the students in the right direction of competitions and grants to continue to fund their development stages. Grants, such as the one from the NCIIA helped bring SmarterShade to its pre-production status, where it stands today.
What is SmarterShade?
SmarterShade is an aftermarket accessory which can be attached to any window (home, office, vehicle, etc.) to help regulate the amount of light and heat which is allowed through its glass. The tint levels are controlled by the flip of a remote control. Instead of using the traditional window treatments of curtains or blinds, SmarterShade is an aftermarket accessory which can transform a window from clear to dark (and all the many shades of darkness in between) using what is considered a proprietary light technology.
The control of switching the tint levels on the windows is done via battery. They are also currently working on a model which will be able to harness the energy from the sun to run the controls, but their first production models will not include this feature.
SmarterShade is a one-of-a-kind product with a unique solution to the problem of both light and heat control. Their solution is affordable, easy to install, and easy to manufacture. It snaps in place within any existing windows track or frame, so there is no need for the complete replacement of the window as a few other similar options in consideration today.
SmarterShade has been working on their final development and IP patent this past year in preparation to take steps towards the final phase, which is actually getting this product out to the consumer. They are currently redesigning the technical specifications of the window film and designing a manufacturing prototype to produce these systems.
What are the Target Markets for SmarterShade's Introduction
The team?s first target market will be the home window industry. Home skylights are currently shaded with a system consisting of remote-controlled blinds. The blinds cost somewhere in the range of $200 and the SmarterShade team estimates that their product should be at a competitive price. However, the benefits of SmarterSahade (increased energy efficiency, range of light control, ease of use) far outweigh the benefits of traditional window treatments.
A complete breakdown of their product line will be InvisiBlind, SmarterShade, and SmartMirror. InvisiBlind will use a traditional polarizer, while SmarterShade will feature a wave retarder. The final product SmartMirror, will offer a reflective mirror exterior that will help to further block radiant exterior and interior heat. They only recently introduced the mirror concept at the International Builders Show this year, while sharing a booth with Alpha Systems, Inc.
We were happy to speak with two of the bright, young founders of this innovative product, Will and Mike, and find out a little bit more about what makes SmarterShade's such a unique, energy saving solution to the traditional window.
SmarterShade is not necessarily a new idea, but rather a better idea to a product which has already been introduced. Could you explain what's new?
Will McLeod: These may be a similar product, but they use different technologies. Theirs is much more complicated. What we do is simplify it as much as possible. We came up with something a lot more stable, with a lot less cost.
Mike Stacey: The more complicated solution is called Smart Windows. Our product mimics the functionality of the Smart Window, but in a much simpler way, and using different technology. Their technology requires more energy, but it also doesn't last. It breaks down overtime. Our patent is something that accomplishes the same goal of selective tinting, but it has better properties in terms of its product life.
What makes SmarterShade better than other tinting technologies?
WM: Right now if you look at windows tinting technologies, what you'll find is about three different kinds of competing ideas, all of which are electronic, draw power, wear out over time, and are too expensive to actually be considered. With our competitors' technologies you have to replace all your windows, then in a few years you will have to replace the entire window again. They have been around for awhile as a great, what if, technology, but that is what we are trying to avoid. We found a way to use this technology today.
MS: Our product is aftermarket. You snap it onto the back of a window and this technology will not fade in the sun.
In layman's terms, how exactly does this product work?
WM: The simplest way to describe it is as a simple polarizer. Instead of applying electricity to change the amount of light that goes through it, you shift it, as if shifting a blind to open or close. But instead of blind slats being used, it offers different shades of gray, or it can even go from clear to a mirror finish as we demonstrated at a recent trade show. If you apply that to a skylight or window instead of curtains, the sunlight just comes in and reflects back out. This eliminates all that solar heat much more effectively.
In addition, with a product like this, instead of walking into your home and turning the lights on, you can flip a switch and take the treatments off all your windows and light your home more efficiently than by using light bulbs. Instead of using power to keep the windows dark, like other Smart Windows do, it only uses power to make the switch. It is only the flip of the switch which draws power. But so little power, we are looking at building a solar cell charged battery to do all the power to the device, so that you don't have to use any extra energy.
Is there any way our readers can get involved in the development of this product?
MS: That depends on the reader. If it is a homeowner, we'd love feedback on our product. We are always looking to do additional market research.
WM: Yes, we are always looking for new markets and applications. Whenever we talk to people about this, they come up with their own creative stories of all the places that they can see this product benefiting them. The more niche applications we know about, the better. This can be a huge value for skylights, but we've talked to RV companies, boat companies, and office supply companies who have seen value in this.
Would this technology also work to hold in the heat during the wintertime?
WM: Yes, in the summer if there is too much heat energy coming into your home, you can switch to the mirrored state and keep the heat energy out. In the winter, when there is radiant heat leaving your home, switching to the mirror state can help keep that radiant heat in. Another added value we underestimated, is the fact that you are adding a couple more panes of glass and air space which adds a lot of insulation value.
It is also easy to integrate this product into a Smart Home System. Let's say you have a thermostat. It can either kick on the air-conditioner to bring your house to the proper temperature, or perhaps it can adjust the amount of light coming into your window to keep that radiant heat out of your house in the first place.
