Actuator Self-Addressing for Synchronous Closing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing actuators in closing systems, such as those for doors and windows, are limited by the need for manual assignment of unique identifiers and a master-slave configuration, which restricts flexibility and scalability, and are inefficient due to high data transmission requirements.
Innovation Solution
Actuators automatically and autonomously assign unique addresses during an initialization procedure, allowing them to communicate and synchronize without pre-defined identifiers or a master-slave hierarchy, enabling flexible configuration and increased scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assignment of unique identifiers and master-slave configuration is used for actuator synchronization, then system control is established, but system flexibility and scalability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator autonomously determines its own unique identifier by detecting whether it is connected to the data bus and assigning itself an address without external intervention. This self-addressing mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration and allows actuators to be freely added or removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of a central controller assigning addresses to actuators (top-down approach), the invention allows actuators to self-assign addresses autonomously (bottom-up approach). This inversion of the address assignment process fundamentally simplifies system configuration and enhances scalability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If master-slave configuration with pre-assigned identifiers is used, then actuator identification is established, but scalability is limited when adding or removing actuators
Solution Approach 1:
When actuators are added or removed from the system, the remaining actuators automatically detect the change in the data bus configuration and reassign addresses dynamically. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual reconfiguration and allows the system to adapt instantly to topology changes.
3Measurement precision
If excessive information exchange is performed among actuators for synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator independently determines its own movement characteristics and correction values based on local measurements of its position and status. This decentralized approach allows each actuator to optimize its synchronization without requiring extensive data exchange with other actuators, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for enabling a synchronous movement of at least two actuators (9) of a closing system, the actuators (9) connected to at least one element (3; 5) to be moved, in particular a door or a window, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the actuators (9) each with a unique address, and during a subsequent intended use of the closing system: - exchanging information among the actuators (9) via a data communication medium (13; 13') interconnecting the actuators (9) with one another, the information regarding the current individual positions of the actuators (9) during their operation as part of the intended use, and - processing the information, determining correction values for at least one of the actuators (9) and applying the at least one actuator (9) with the correction values, in order to make the actuators (9) move synchronously. In order to for an easy to install and operate closing system it is suggested that the actuators (9) automatically and autonomously assign themselves their unique addresses during an initialization procedure executed at least once before the intended use of the closing system.