Actuator Obstacle Detection via Transient Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for shading or solar protection systems, such as blinds and rolling shutters, face challenges in detecting obstacles during deployment due to mechanical limitations and power transmission constraints, particularly in slatted blinds and flexible fabric awnings, leading to inefficient and unreliable obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator with an obstacle generation device that creates a transient force when an obstacle is encountered, allowing for reliable and quick detection through torque measurement, independent of motor power supply and operating conditions, enabling precise control and reduced torque requirements during obstacle passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor torque monitoring is used to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but detection precision is worsened because obstacles can only be detected after significant stacking of slats or unwinding of blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the obstacle detection function into two distinct mechanisms: a first obstacle generation device that creates transient forces during normal operation for precise detection, and a second obstacle generation device that creates permanent forces for backup detection. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in different detection scenarios, resolving the contradiction between reliability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first obstacle generation device creates transient forces before the motor encounters actual mechanical resistance from an obstacle. By generating these transient forces in advance during the unrolling process, the system can detect obstacles earlier and more precisely, before significant slat stacking occurs, thus improving both detection precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If remote sensors are used for obstacle detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to power supply routing and information transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator generates its own test signals through the obstacle generation devices and detects obstacles using its own torque monitoring capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external remote sensors, power supply routing, and separate information transmission systems, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the obstacle detection function with the actuator's existing torque monitoring system. By integrating the obstacle generation devices into the actuator itself and using the same torque sensor for both motor control and obstacle detection, the system eliminates separate sensing systems and their associated complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
3Reliability
If fixed stops are used to limit actuator rotation, then reliability is improved by preventing over-rotation, but measurement precision is worsened because the force generated cannot be effectively detected without torque control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed stops with dynamic obstacle generation devices that create transient forces during actuator operation. These transient forces vary dynamically during the unrolling process, allowing the torque sensor to detect them effectively against the background of varying motor torque, thus improving force detection capability while maintaining rotation limitation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle generation devices create preliminary transient forces that counteract or highlight the effects of fixed stops. By generating these transient forces before the actuator encounters the fixed stop, the system can detect the stop's presence through torque variations, improving force detection capability while maintaining the protective function of the stops.
4Measurement precision
If elaborate electronic functions or complex mechanisms are used for obstacle detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened and reliability is reduced due to higher cost and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator uses its own motor and torque sensor to generate test signals and detect obstacles, eliminating the need for elaborate external electronic functions or complex mechanical mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining high detection precision through intelligent processing of torque data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects obstacles by monitoring changes in torque parameters during actuator operation. By analyzing transient force patterns, torque magnitudes, and temporal characteristics, the system achieves high detection precision using simple torque sensing rather than complex electronic or mechanical mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
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
Enables reliable and rapid detection of transient obstacles along the deployment path, improving the actuator's ability to stop at desired positions and reducing wear on moving parts, suitable for various types of shading systems including soft fabric awnings.
Implementation Method 1
an obstacle generation device, comprising at least one obstacle element, and which creates a transient force when the motor drives the mobile screen, this transient force resisting the transmission of movement between the entry part and the part output
Implementation Method 2
a detection means of the resistant transient force, by detecting the torque at the output of the actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The actuator has an asynchronous motor for providing a set of movements to a kinematic chain, and a reducer. An output transmission shaft is arranged for transmission of movement provided by the motor. An input part (60) and an output part (70) are movable with regard to each other with a limited play. An obstacle generation device includes a set of cams (72-1, 72-2) that is ready to create a transitory resistant force for movement transmission between the input part and output part. A control unit detects the transitory resistant force. An independent claim is also included for a method for checking operation of the electromechanical actuator.