Mobile Equipment Actuator Control Using Self-Calibrating Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling mobile building equipment actuators require complex setups with multiple sensors and calibration, making them cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in dynamic environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a probabilistic algorithm, such as an evolutionary genetic algorithm, to adapt and refine actuator control models based on temporal measurements of environmental parameters and user actions, eliminating the need for empirical calibration and simplifying the measurement of physical quantities by accounting for periodic changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and calibration equipment are added to the actuator to obtain precise control commands, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of control commandVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system performs self-calibration by automatically determining calibration parameters through probabilistic algorithms that analyze temporal evolution of environmental parameters. The system uses measurement data from existing sensors to automatically compute calibration factors without requiring external calibration equipment or manual user intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical calibration equipment and manual calibration procedures with a computational approach using probabilistic algorithms. Instead of using additional physical sensors or calibration devices, the system uses mathematical models and statistical methods to determine calibration parameters from existing measurement data, substituting mechanical/physical calibration means with information-processing methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If empirical calibration based on user actions is implemented, then adaptability to user behavior is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required user involvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to user behaviorVSAvoiduser calibration effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adapts to user behavior patterns by analyzing temporal evolution of control commands and environmental parameters using probabilistic algorithms. The actuator performs self-calibration by detecting user actions and automatically adjusting calibration parameters without requiring explicit user calibration steps, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating the need for direct user involvement in the calibration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive environmental sensing is performed to account for periodic changes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of environmental measurementVSAvoidsensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces comprehensive physical sensing of all environmental parameters with a computational approach using probabilistic algorithms. Instead of installing multiple sensors to directly measure all environmental variables, the system uses mathematical models to infer environmental conditions from limited measurements and temporal patterns, substituting physical sensing complexity with information-processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of temporal evolution patterns of environmental parameters to establish probabilistic models before actual control operations. By pre-processing measurement data to identify periodic patterns and relationships, the system prepares calibration parameters in advance, reducing the need for real-time comprehensive sensing while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2936256B1Method of controlling an actuator for a mobile item of equipment in building
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2936256B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2936256B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2936256B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of controlling an actuator for a mobile item of equipment in building comprising the steps consisting in: deploying a model (M) linking at least one modelling parameter (P) with at least one characteristic physical quantity (C) of the environment or of the operation of the actuator exhibiting a temporal evolution; collecting a set of measurement values (VCm) relating to the at least one characteristic physical quantity (C) of the environment or of the operation of the actuator in the course of a measurement interval (Tm), each measurement value (VCm) being associated with an instant (Tm) of the measurement interval (Tm); determining or correcting at least one value (VP) of the at least one modelling parameter (P) in such a way that a modelled temporal evolution (Ee) defined on the basis of the application of the model (M) of the at least one value (VP) of modelling parameter (P) corresponds to or approaches an observed temporal evolution (Eo) of the characteristic physical quantity (C) determined on the basis of the set of measurement values (VCm); applying or correcting a definition of the operation of the actuator (1) as a function of a determined or corrected value (VP) of the at least one parameter (P). The present invention also relates to an actuator implementing such a method.