Actuator Direction Detection via Modified Performance Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the direction of movement of occultation screens, particularly those with low-weight or oversized rollers, face challenges in determining direction due to minimal voltage variation in phase shift capacitors, especially when using asynchronous motors, and are unreliable in the presence of mechanical brakes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving switching the actuator into a modified performance configuration to measure displacement parameters, such as voltage or speed, in one direction and comparing these values to determine the direction of movement, then restoring to nominal performance for accurate detection, allowing for reliable direction determination regardless of screen weight or mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor torque measurement is used to detect screen movement direction, then direction detection is possible, but the method becomes unreliable for low-weight screens or oversized motors where voltage variation is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the performance parameters of the actuator by temporarily modifying motor power supply voltage during the detection phase. By applying a first voltage during upward movement detection and a second voltage during downward movement detection, the system creates measurable parameter differences that enable reliable direction detection even for low-weight screens where normal operating voltage variations are minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection actions before normal operation by temporarily altering actuator performance characteristics. The system conducts direction detection measurements under modified performance conditions (different voltage levels) before restoring normal operation, allowing it to pre-determine movement direction without affecting subsequent normal functioning.
2Power
If synchronous motor with mechanical brake is used, then actuator performance is improved, but direction detection is disturbed by brake drag torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brake mechanism from the torque measurement process by temporarily disabling or disengaging the mechanical brake during the direction detection phase. This separation allows accurate torque/voltage measurement for direction detection without the confounding influence of brake drag torque, while the brake remains available for normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If actuator performance is modified for detection, then measurement accuracy improves, but normal operation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between detection mode and operation mode. The actuator alternates between modified performance configuration for measurement and nominal performance configuration for operation. This periodic switching ensures that performance modification occurs only temporarily during detection phases, allowing full operational capability to be restored subsequently.
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
This method enables simple and reliable detection of the direction of movement by amplifying parameter differences, overcoming the limitations of minimal voltage variation and mechanical interference, ensuring accurate direction determination even at extreme positions.
Implementation Method 1
the motor is an asynchronous electric motor. During step d), when the first value of the predefined parameter is lower than the second value of the predefined parameter, the first direction of movement is associated with an upward direction
Implementation Method 2
The electromechanical actuator comprises a synchronous electric motor and the predefined displacement parameter is a speed of rotation of the synchronous electric motor
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This method for detecting the direction of movement of an occultation screen (2) controlled by an electromechanical actuator (4) comprises steps consisting of a) moving the occultation screen using the actuator in a first direction of movement (D1) and measuring a first value of a predefined displacement parameter, b) moving the occultation screen using the actuator in a second direction of movement (D2), opposite to the first direction of movement, and measuring a second value of the predefined displacement parameter, c) comparing the values of the predefined parameter measured during steps a) and b), and d) determining the direction of the first and second directions of movement according to the result of step c).This process further includes a step z), prior to steps a) and b), in which the actuator is in a modified performance configuration, where the performance of the actuator is intentionally altered relative to its nominal performance, and a step e), subsequent to step d), in which the actuator is switched to a nominal performance configuration, where the performance of the actuator is restored to its nominal performance.