Electromechanical Actuator Insulating Cover for Electrostatic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for closure, occultation, or solar protection installations face issues with electrostatic charge discharge, leading to potential damage of electronic components, either through simple electrical insulation or discharge through the power supply network, affecting operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator design featuring an electrically insulating cover that houses the electronic control unit, lengthening the path of electrostatic discharge and preventing damage, while also incorporating a movable drawer and elastically deformable lugs for actuation and protection against water and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the actuator housing is made of electrically conductive material to discharge electrostatic charges, then electrostatic charges are discharged, but the electronic components are vulnerable to damage from discharge paths
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a conductive outer housing for electrostatic discharge and an insulating inner housing for electronic component protection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromise - the outer housing safely discharges electrostatic charges while the inner housing isolates sensitive electronics from discharge paths
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating inner housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the conductive outer housing and the electronic components. It mediates the conflict by allowing the outer housing to maintain its electrostatic discharge function while preventing the discharge path from reaching the electronics, thus protecting them without compromising the discharge capability
2Reliability
If simple electrical insulation is used to protect electronic components, then component protection is improved, but the cost of obtaining the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating inner housing is implemented as a thin-walled plastic structure that provides effective electrical insulation while minimizing material usage and manufacturing complexity. This thin-film approach achieves the required protection level without adding significant cost or complexity to the manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If the electronic control unit is mounted on the torque support, then space is saved, but electrostatic charges discharge through the printed circuit board causing malfunction or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating inner housing serves as an intermediary barrier between the conductive outer housing and the electronic control unit mounted on the torque support. It prevents electrostatic discharge paths from reaching the printed circuit board while allowing the compact mounting arrangement to be maintained, thus protecting electronics without increasing structural complexity
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
The solution effectively protects electronic components from electrostatic discharges and environmental factors, enhancing the operational reliability and longevity of the actuator by redirecting and dissipating electrostatic charges safely, thus preventing component damage.
Implementation Method 1
the electromechanical actuator also comprises an electrically insulating cover, forming a space for receiving at least part of the electronic board, the insulating cover closing the recess of the torque support
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic charges are generated by the friction of the screen, in particular a canvas, against a plastic or metal part, in particular a winding tube of the screen or a support holding the winding tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator for driving a winding tube of a closure, occultation or solar protection installation, which comprises at least a housing, a torque support arranged at a first end of the housing, an electric supply cable, an electric motor, and an electronic control unit comprising at least one electronic board arranged inside the torque support. The torque support forms a recess into which the electronic board is at least partially inserted. The electromechanical actuator further comprises an electrically insulating cover, forming a space for receiving at least part of the electronic board, the insulating cover closing the recess in the torque support, the recess and the insulating cover together forming a protective case for the electronic board.