Actuator Identification via Power Interruption Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and configuring actuators in dynamic façades are complex, time-consuming, and costly, especially in large installations, as they often require manual intervention or incompatible technologies, impacting production and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A configuration method that involves constructing a list of actuator identifiers, locating screen positions, associating identifiers with locations, and iteratively refining the association through movement commands and graphic representation, allowing for quick and intuitive identification and grouping of actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification methods (labels, barcodes, RFID) are used to identify actuators, then identification accuracy is improved, but installation cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator identifies itself by automatically responding to power supply interruptions with a specific operational pattern (e.g., moving to a reference position or emitting a signal). This eliminates the need for external identification tools like labels, barcodes, or RFID readers, reducing installation complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical identification systems (labels, barcodes, RFID tags) with an electrical control system that uses power supply signal patterns to identify actuators. This substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate identification hardware and software components.
2Ease of operation
If power supply interruption method is used to identify actuators, then identification is simplified, but implementation difficulty increases when access to power supply line is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that can remotely generate power supply interruptions without requiring direct physical access to the actuator's power line. It manages the identification process by sending control signals that trigger the identification sequence through the existing communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal actuator control, remote identification initiation, and interpretation of identification responses. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain identification capability even when the control unit is positioned away from the actuator's power supply access point.
3Productivity
If iterative grouping method is used to configure actuators, then configuration time is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator population is divided into multiple groups based on their response patterns to power supply interruptions. The control unit iteratively identifies and separates actuators into groups, assigning each to appropriate screen locations. This segmentation approach breaks down the complex identification problem into manageable steps, reducing overall configuration time while keeping individual control logic simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Method of configuring a home automation installation comprising a plurality of mobile screens driven by actuators identified by an identifier, the method comprising the following steps:a) a step of constructing a first list of identifiers of actuators of the installation,b) a step of locating all the locations of the screens that make up the part of the installation to be configured,c) a step of associating a list of possible actuator identifiers with each screen location,d) a step of transmitting a movement control command to each actuator of a group of actuators,e) a step of designating locations that correspond to a group of screens that have reacted to the control command,f) a step of updating the lists of possible actuator identifiers for each location,the steps d) to f) being reiterated as long as at least one list of possible actuator identifiers for a screen location comprises more than one actuator identifier.