Actuator Position Learning via Dual Command Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring the end-of-travel positions of electric actuators in home automation devices, such as rolling shutters, are cumbersome and lack precision due to signal transmission delays and mechanical response times, especially when using radio or infrared controls, and require complex ergonomic adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A learning method that allows for precise and rapid recording of particular positions by controlling the actuator with distinct types of orders through a control interface, enabling the actuator to interpret and record positions during controlled movements in both directions, allowing for incremental adjustments and eliminating the need for backtracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio or infrared remote control is used to control actuator movements during positioning, then the control range and flexibility are improved, but the signal transmission delay causes difficulty in precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary command structure with two distinct command types: a first command type for movement and a second command type for stopping and recording position. This intermediary layer mediates between the remote control input and the actuator execution, allowing the system to separate the movement phase from the positioning phase, thereby overcoming the signal delay issue while maintaining remote control flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by first executing the movement command to reach the approximate target position, then subsequently executing the stop and record command to achieve precise positioning. This two-stage preliminary action sequence allows the system to prepare for precise positioning by first getting close to the target, then making the final precise adjustment without being affected by signal delays during the critical positioning moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the actuator is stopped and reversed to record end-of-travel positions, then the positioning function is achieved, but the mechanical response time affects the precision of the recorded position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition recording functionVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the actuator's operational state dynamic rather than static. Instead of simply stopping at a position, the system executes a dynamic sequence: move in first direction, stop, reverse direction, move in second direction, stop again, and record. This dynamic state transition ensures that the position is recorded only after the actuator has fully stabilized after reversal, eliminating the impact of mechanical response time on positioning precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a simple direction reversal procedure is used for learning positions, then the configuration process is quick, but precise adjustment of the particular position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidposition adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into distinct phases with different command types: a first command type for rapid movement to reach approximate position, and a second command type for precise stopping and recording. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high configuration speed during the movement phase while achieving precise positioning during the recording phase, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator exceeds the desired position during learning, then the configuration continues, but the procedure must be reset causing loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring the sequence of commands executed during the learning process. When the system detects that a second command type (stop and record) has been executed, it provides feedback that the positioning is complete and prevents further movement commands from causing over-travel. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for reset procedures while maintaining configuration flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2554776B1Method of learning for a particular position of an electric actuator for operating home automation equipment.

Publication Date: 2016.12.28 SOMFY SAS

AI summary

A method for learning a particular position (FC1, PI, FC2) of an electric actuator (4) intended to operate a movable element (51) of a sun protection, shading, closure or screen, said method comprising the following steps: a. moving the actuator in a first direction, the movement being controlled by a command of a first type, then b. moving the actuator in a second direction, the movement being controlled by a command of the first type while the actuator is in a first position, c. interpreting the sequence of steps a and b as a command to record the first position of the actuator as the particular position and carrying out this recording, a movement of the actuator in the second direction being able to be controlled by a command of a second type between steps a and b.