Actuator System Push-Pull Chain Disconnection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building element actuator systems, such as those for roof windows, do not effectively alert users when the push-pull chain is disconnected, leading to potential rain damage during precipitation.
Innovation Solution
A building element actuator system that includes an electric motor, a push-pull chain, an environmental unit for processing data, a control unit for determining environmental conditions, and a user interface for issuing notifications when the building element is open and precipitation is detected, even if the push-pull chain is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push-pull chain is made disconnectable from the building element, then manual operation of the building element is enabled, but the automatic closing function fails when the chain is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the connection status of the push-pull chain to the building element and provides feedback to the control unit. When disconnection is detected, the system can alert the user and prevent automatic closing operations, ensuring reliable operation only when properly connected.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection detection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the push-pull chain and the control unit, detecting whether the chain is properly connected to the building element and transmitting this information to control the automatic closing function.
2Reliability
If automatic closing is enabled during precipitation, then water damage is prevented, but user alert and manual intervention are required when the chain is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks of the push-pull chain connection status before initiating automatic closing operations during precipitation. This preliminary action ensures that the system only attempts automatic closing when properly connected, preventing failures and reducing the need for complex user alerts.
3Reliability
If the push-pull chain connection status is monitored, then automatic closing reliability is improved, but additional sensors and control logic are required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system itself performs the connection status detection using its existing components, such as the motor's ability to detect mechanical resistance or position anomalies that indicate disconnection. This self-service approach monitors connection status without requiring additional external sensors, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building element actuator system (1), in particular a roof window actuator system (1), configured to allow a building element (2) to be moved between a closed position (P1) and at least one open position (P2). The actuator system (1) comprises an electric motor (3), a push-pull chain (4) fixedly connected to said electric motor (3) and releasably connected to said movable building element (2). An environmental unit (5) is configured to process environmental data and a control unit (6) is configured to determine, based on said environmental data, if said environmental data fulfills a predefined environmental condition (C) and generate an environmental condition alert (A) if said environmental data fulfills said predefined environmental condition (C). A user interface (7) is configured to receive said environmental condition alert (A) and issue a notification (N) to a user in response to said environmental condition alert (A).