Actuator Speed Control for Rollable Home Automation Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the speed of electromechanical actuators for rollable elements in home automation do not adequately parameterize the speed behaviors of docking zones, leading to inefficient operation and potential mechanical stresses, noise, and user-perceived quality issues.

Innovation Solution

Defining distinct angular speed setpoints for each docking zone, with the speed decreasing until reaching a setpoint value upon arrival at extreme positions, allowing for different speed decrease profiles and maintaining constant speed in proximity zones, thereby harmonizing or differentiating linear speeds to account for installation differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single angular speed setpoint is used for both docking zones, then the control system is simple, but the linear speed cannot be harmonized between zones with different winding radii

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to different winding radii in docking zonesVSAvoidComplexity of speed control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by defining distinct angular speed setpoints for different docking zones based on their specific winding radii. The control system adapts the speed profile locally to each zone's characteristics, ensuring optimal linear speed harmonization without requiring a completely different control architecture for each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the speed control parameter from a single global angular speed setpoint to multiple zone-specific angular speed setpoints. This parameter adaptation allows the system to account for varying winding radii in different docking zones while maintaining a unified control approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the angular speed is reduced in docking zones, then mechanical stresses and noise are reduced, but the overall operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMechanical stresses and noise during dockingVSAvoidTotal operation time for complete stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a cyclical speed variation pattern: high speed during the main stroke for efficiency, and reduced speed during docking zones for quality. This periodic modulation of speed optimizes the balance between operational time and docking quality, allowing the system to alternate between performance modes appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the stroke into distinct zones (main stroke and docking zones) with different speed characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to optimize speed independently in each zone, reducing mechanical stresses and noise in docking areas without significantly impacting the overall operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the linear speed is kept constant throughout the stroke, then the control is simple, but the angular speed must vary significantly with changing winding radius

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConstant linear speed of mobile elementVSAvoidComplexity of angular speed control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the mobile element to determine when the system is in a docking zone versus the main stroke. This position feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust the angular speed setpoint according to the current zone, maintaining constant linear speed without requiring complex predictive control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2442197B1Method for operating an actuator moving a windable mobile element of a home-automation device and actuator operating according to said method
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2442197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2442197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves defining two angular speed setpoints of an electromechanical actuator (ACT) in two docking areas (ZLS1, ZLS2), respectively, where the angular speed setpoints are different. One of the angular speed setpoints is obtained from the definition of a linear speed setpoint of a windable mobile element (COV) of a home automation appliance (EQU) in one of the docking areas and/or of another linear speed setpoint of the mobile element in another docking area. The linear speed setpoints are defined as a common linear speed setpoint of the mobile element in the docking areas. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an electromechanical actuator for manoeuvring a windable mobile element of a home automation appliance (2) a home automation installation comprising an actuator.