Actuator Travel Range Configuration for Smooth Blind Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for motorized building elements like roller shutters and blinds often have predefined soft start and soft stop functions that do not suit variable installation lengths, leading to unsatisfactory user experiences due to mismatched predefined ranges.
Innovation Solution
A configuration method that allows users to adjust the actuator's operation parameters, such as acceleration and deceleration ramps, and obstacle detection logic, using a control unit and configuration tool to customize the travel ranges and speed profiles based on specific installation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predefined soft start and soft stop functions are used in electromechanical actuators, then mechanical stress and noise are reduced, but the functions do not suit variable installation lengths leading to unsatisfactory user experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of soft start and soft stop functions by allowing users to adjust travel range parameters and speed profiles through a configuration tool. The actuator control unit stores and applies user-defined parameters rather than using fixed predefined values, enabling the system to adapt to different installation lengths and requirements while maintaining smooth acceleration and deceleration characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables modification of critical operational parameters including acceleration ramps, deceleration ramps, and travel range distances. Users can configure specific parameter values through a configuration tool that communicates with the actuator control unit, which then applies these customized parameters to optimize performance for each specific installation while preserving the stress-reducing benefits of soft start/stop functions.
2Device complexity
If predefined travel ranges are used in actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but the ranges do not correspond to user wishes especially for rolling shutters with variable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-configuration capability where users can directly adjust travel range parameters and speed profiles through a configuration tool. The actuator control unit stores these user-defined parameters and automatically applies them during operation, eliminating the need for complex pre-programming while enabling users to optimize performance for their specific installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs configuration actions in advance by allowing users to define and store optimal travel ranges and speed profiles before actual operation begins. The configuration tool communicates these parameters to the actuator control unit, which stores them in memory for subsequent use, thereby preparing the system ahead of time for optimal performance without adding operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration options are added to allow user adjustment of actuator parameters, then adaptability to specific installations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration tool as an intermediary device that simplifies the interaction between users and the actuator system. This external tool handles the complexity of parameter adjustment and communication, while the actuator control unit simply stores and applies the received parameters. This separation keeps the actuator itself relatively simple while enabling comprehensive configuration capabilities through the intermediary tool.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring an actuator (2) for guiding a mobile closing, sun-shielding, black-out or screen element (3), the actuator comprising a motor reducer (4) and a unit (5) for controlling the motor reducer, the control unit including a memory (51) wherein at least one range of the course of the element has been pre-recorded, said method comprising a step of relative modification of the span of the at least one range.