Electromechanical Actuator Charging Profile for EMI-Safe Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data exchange between the onboard controller and a smart charger is disrupted due to electromagnetic interference when the rechargeable battery is charging, particularly at high current levels or high communication speeds, leading to decreased data quality or unreadability.

Innovation Solution

A method that controls the charging circuit to charge the battery at a low intensity for a predetermined time to minimize interference, allowing data exchange, followed by a higher intensity charge to optimize charging time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rechargeable battery is charged at high current intensity, then charging time is reduced, but electromagnetic interference disrupts data exchange between the controller and smart charger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddata exchange quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The charging process is segmented into multiple stages: an initial stage with reduced current intensity for data exchange, followed by subsequent stages with higher current intensity for faster charging. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize data communication when needed while maintaining overall charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit periodically alternates between low-intensity charging mode (when data exchange is required) and high-intensity charging mode (when communication is not needed). This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by temporarily reducing charging power during communication windows while maintaining high average charging speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If the communication speed is increased, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference from charging current renders data unreadable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoiddata readability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system preemptively reduces charging current intensity before initiating high-speed data exchange, preventing electromagnetic interference from occurring in the first place. This preliminary anti-action ensures that communication signals remain readable while maintaining the ability to charge at high speeds when communication is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If data exchange is performed during battery charging, then communication functionality is maintained, but charging time increases due to reduced current intensity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial charging action (reduced current) only during the specific time window when data exchange occurs, rather than reducing charging throughout the entire process. This allows the battery to be charged at full intensity during non-communication periods, minimizing overall charging time while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables data exchange between the controller and smart charger while charging, minimizing charging time increase and maintaining communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

it is disrupted, primarily due to interference caused by electromagnetic disturbances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4648255A1Method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a darkening device and associated electromechanical actuator
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4648255A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4648255A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4648255A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This method for controlling an electromechanical actuator comprising an electronic control unit (15) and a battery (18), the electronic control unit comprising a controller (31) connected to a charger (44) and a charging circuit (32) for the battery (18), includes: - detecting a connection from the charger to the electromechanical actuator, - when a connection is detected, determining a power supply profile having a threshold current value, - controlling the charger to supply the charging circuit with the power supply profile. It further includes a first control step to charge the battery with a charging current value equal to a first current value, and a second control step to charge the battery with a charging current value equal to a second current value, strictly greater than the first current value and less than or equal to the threshold current value.