Standalone Actuator Adaptive Charging Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous actuators for solar protection or dimming screens, such as shutters, inefficiently manage battery charge, lacking adaptation to different external charging devices, which affects their operation and longevity.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous actuator with a charge management circuit that detects the nature of the external charging device, allowing for adaptive operation and efficient battery management, incorporating a charging connector with multiple lines and mechanical keying means to differentiate between charging sources like external chargers and photovoltaic panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple charging connector with two lines is used for battery charging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different charging devices (external chargers vs photovoltaic panels) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is designed with three connection lines instead of the conventional two, enabling it to interface with multiple types of charging devices (external chargers and photovoltaic panels) through a single universal interface. The mechanical keying means further enhances this universality by providing physical guidance for different connector orientations, allowing the same connector to adapt to various charging sources without requiring separate connectors for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical keying means are added to the charging connector to differentiate between charging sources, then the adaptability to different charging devices is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical keying means are incorporated into the charging connector to create asymmetric physical features that prevent incorrect connections and enable differentiation between charging sources. These keying elements provide tactile and visual cues for proper connector orientation, allowing the system to distinguish between external chargers and photovoltaic panel connections through the physical configuration of the connector itself, rather than requiring complex electronic detection circuits.
3Productivity
If the charge management circuit is informed of the charging device nature through connector design, then the battery charge management efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is designed to automatically communicate the type of charging device connected to the actuator through its physical configuration and wiring arrangement. The three-line connector with mechanical keying means inherently provides information about the charging source (external charger versus photovoltaic panel) to the charge management circuit based on which lines are connected, eliminating the need for additional sensors or complex detection mechanisms. This self-service approach allows the system to adapt its charge management strategy based on the connected device type without requiring manual input or complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a self-contained actuator for moving a sunshade or shading screen between several positions comprises a hollow housing defining an internal space. Within this internal space are mounted: a motor and a reduction gear, a control circuit for driving the motor, a battery pack (15) connected to the control circuit, and a charge management circuit (22) managing the charging of the battery pack. Furthermore, the actuator includes a charging connector (194) for connection to an external charging device (PV, C), such as a photovoltaic panel (PV) and an external charger (C). The connector is a three-pin connector, defining three connection lines (P1, P2, N), one of which is a common line (N). The charge management circuit is informed of the type of external charging device by means of the energized lines.