Electric Actuator Speed Control for Shutter Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized home automation equipment, such as rolling shutters and roll-up doors, face issues with noise pollution due to excessive speed adjustments, leading to inconsistent operation and increased installation time, especially when multiple units are installed in the same building, and often require manual adjustment in less-than-ideal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically adjusting the speed setpoint of electric actuators within a limited range near a predetermined target value, using measurements of vibratory and acoustic signals to minimize noise pollution while maintaining consistent operation across multiple units, without impacting other speed settings, and allowing for remote or automated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the motor is designed to drive a maximum load (very wide roller shutter made of heavy materials), then the motor can handle the heaviest loads, but the excessive speed causes significant noise (aerial and structure-borne) when used with lighter shutters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment capability in the motor controller, allowing the operating speed to be adapted in real-time based on the actual load characteristics. The controller can selectively reduce speed below maximum speed to minimize noise while maintaining sufficient power for the specific application, transforming the static motor design into a dynamically adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (speed) of the motor based on the specific installation conditions and load requirements. By adjusting the speed parameter within a range below maximum speed, the system achieves optimal performance for lighter shutters while maintaining the capability to handle heavier loads when needed, thus resolving the noise issue without sacrificing power capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user is given complete freedom to adjust speed settings, then the motor power can be adapted to specific needs, but identical products on the same facade can have significantly different speeds giving an impression of disorder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives information about the actual load conditions and automatically adjusts the speed setting accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that identical products on the same facade operate at consistent speeds appropriate for their specific load conditions, preventing the visual disorder that would result from significantly different speeds while maintaining adaptability to varying requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary speed configuration options that can be set during installation based on expected load conditions. This preliminary action establishes a baseline operational consistency across identical products while still allowing for future adjustments if needed, preventing disorder before it occurs.
3Measurement precision
If speed adjustment is performed manually by an installer on-site, then the setting can be optimized for specific conditions, but it consumes significant time especially when multiple products need adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the controller automatically determines optimal speed settings based on pre-programmed algorithms and load characteristics. The system can perform self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without requiring manual intervention from installers, thereby maintaining measurement precision for speed optimization while dramatically reducing the time required for adjustment across multiple products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-configured speed profiles and optimization algorithms in the controller before installation. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically determine optimal settings based on the specific installation conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining the precision that would otherwise require expert installer intervention.
4Ease of manufacture
If speed adjustment is performed in the workshop or factory, then the adjustment can be done under controlled conditions, but the sound conditions are most often incompatible with listening allowing quality adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical listening-based adjustment method with electronic sensing and digital signal processing. The controller uses electronic sensors and algorithms to measure and optimize speed settings, substituting the human ear's limitations with electronic measurement capabilities that can accurately assess noise levels and operational characteristics regardless of the environment's acoustic conditions.
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
This method effectively reduces noise pollution, ensures consistent operation of motorized home automation equipment, and significantly reduces the time required for adjustments across multiple units, allowing for automated or semi-automated implementation, thereby improving installation efficiency and maintaining harmony in building aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a step of measuring a vibratory and/or acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
a speed regulation means (22) making it possible to regulate a first speed of the actuator by a first speed setpoint and to regulate a second speed of the actuator by a second speed setpoint
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of adjusting the speed of an electric actuator for moving a closure, blackout or solar protection element of a motorized home-automation apparatus, the electric actuator comprising a means for regulating the speed of the actuator by a speed setpoint, characterized in that it comprises a step of adjusting the speed setpoint within a limited speed range in the vicinity of a predetermined target value.