Actuator Head Torque Take-Up Arm Deformation for Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for shading or solar protection elements, such as blinds and rolling shutters, face challenges in detecting forces and obstacles without creating mechanical play, leading to complex assembly, potential damage to electronics, and difficulty in integrating sensors, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mechanical connection with torque-taking branches and deformable parts that allow for rigid connections between components, enabling force detection without mechanical play, and a remote angular position sensor for obstacle detection, simplifying assembly and maintaining compatibility with existing accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical play is created between actuator components to detect forces and obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but assembly complexity increases and electronics become vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical play-based detection system with an electronic sensor system. Instead of using mechanical clearance between components to detect obstacles, the invention uses electronic motion detectors (accelerometers, gyroscopic sensors) to measure forces and detect obstacles, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical play and associated assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic pieces as intermediaries between the actuator head and the fixed support. These elastic elements transmit mechanical forces to the electronic sensors without requiring direct mechanical play between critical components, protecting the electronics while enabling force detection
2Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are integrated between actuator and accessory, then obstacle detection is improved, but accessibility to electronics deteriorates and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic pieces as intermediary elements that can be easily installed between the actuator head and fixed support. These elastic intermediaries provide a simple assembly interface that maintains accessibility while enabling sensor integration
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic sensors are designed to be integrated into the actuator assembly in a way that they automatically position themselves or are easily configured during assembly, reducing the need for complex adjustment procedures by the installer
3Device complexity
If rigid connections are maintained between actuator components, then assembly is simplified and electronics are protected, but obstacle detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical play with electronic sensors to maintain rigid connections while preserving obstacle detection capability. The electronic sensors measure forces transmitted through the rigid structure without requiring mechanical clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pieces serve as intermediaries that allow rigid connections between critical components while still enabling force transmission to the sensors for obstacle detection
4Measurement precision
If elastic elements are added between actuator and frame, then obstacle detection is improved, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic pieces are designed to be pre-configured with appropriate mechanical properties, allowing them to be installed without requiring complex adjustment procedures. The elements self-adjust to provide the necessary force transmission characteristics
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 solution simplifies the assembly and maintenance of electromechanical actuators by eliminating mechanical play, protecting electronics, and allowing for fine obstacle detection, while maintaining compatibility with existing accessories and reducing adjustment complexity during installation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first part deformable under the action of a torque to which the actuator is subjected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a head (2) of an electromechanical actuator (1) for controlling a roll-up element (10), including; an element (20, 24) for mechanically linking to a body (3) of the actuator without rotational play; at least two torque take-up arms (22, 22a, 22b) suitable for engaging with an accessory (8) for attaching to a frame (9); at least one first part (25a) capable of being deformed by torque which is applied to the actuator, wherein the actuator head is characterized in that the first deformable part is built into a first torque take-up arm (22a).