Home-Automation Actuator Vibration Isolation for Quiet Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized drive devices for closure, covering, or solar protection installations, such as blinds and shutters, generate excessive vibrations due to the electric motor and reducing gear, leading to suboptimal vibration damping between the actuator casing and the supporting structure, resulting in noise and structural stress.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator with a vibration-filtering mechanical module and a vibration-absorption module, featuring a torque support and flexible bushings, is designed to mechanically link the casing to the torque support, allowing for rotational and translational movement while minimizing vibration transmission. The vibration-filtering mechanical module, which can include an Oldham or Schmidt coupling, and the vibration-absorption module with flexible and rigid bushings, effectively dampen vibrations and absorb loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric motor and reducing gear are used to drive the screen, then the screen can be moved between positions, but vibrations are generated that are transmitted to the casing and supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration-filtering mechanical module as an intermediary between the electric motor and the supporting structure. This module includes vibration filtering elements that decouple the motor assembly from the fixed structure, allowing the motor to operate while filtering out vibrations before they reach the casing and supporting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations into a controlled filtering process. By using vibration filtering elements with specific mechanical properties, the system allows vibrations to pass through a controlled path where they are attenuated, transforming the harmful direct transmission into a beneficial filtered motion that protects the supporting structure.
2Reliability
If the actuator is fixed rigidly to the supporting structure, then stable operation is achieved, but vibrations are transmitted directly to the structure causing noise and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-filtering mechanical module serves as an intermediary between the actuator and the supporting structure. It maintains the necessary mechanical connection for stable operation while introducing vibration isolation characteristics that prevent direct transmission of harmful vibrations to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between the actuator and the supporting structure by introducing vibration filtering elements with specific stiffness and damping characteristics. This allows the connection to maintain stability for normal operation while filtering out high-frequency vibrations that cause noise and structural stress.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration damping is enhanced using traditional dampers, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but the filtering between the casing and support is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration transmission path into multiple stages by introducing a dedicated vibration-filtering mechanical module with multiple vibration filtering elements. This segmentation allows for optimized filtering at each stage, with the first vibration filtering element acting on vibrations from the motor and the second element providing additional filtering before the vibrations reach the supporting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration-filtering mechanical modules as intermediary components between the electric motor and the supporting structure. These modules include vibration filtering elements that decouple the motor assembly from the fixed structure, allowing the motor to operate while filtering out vibrations before they reach the casing and supporting structure.
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
The solution significantly reduces noise and structural stress by enhancing vibration damping, allowing the actuator to operate more quietly and efficiently, while maintaining the ability to handle high torques without mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration-absorption module mechanically links the casing to the torque support in translation perpendicularly to the first axis of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The vibration-absorption module can comprise a first bushing made of flexible material, notably of elastomer and/or viscoelastic material, disposed around a part of the torque support
Implementation Method 3
The vibration-filtering mechanical module ensures the mechanical link between the casing and the torque support in rotation about a first axis of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Home-automation actuator (11) comprising a motor (16), a housing (17), a mechanical module for filtering vibrations (33; 33a; 33b; 33c), a module for absorbing vibrations (130) and a torque support (21), the mechanical module comprising a first end (35, 135) and a second end (39, 139), —the first end (35, 135) being connected to the housing (17), —the second end (39, 139) being connected to the torque support (21), the mechanical module providing the connection between the housing (17) and the torque support so as to rotate around a first axis (X) of the actuator, the absorption module translationally connecting the housing (17) to the torque support (21) allowing a rotational degree of freedom between the housing (17) and the torque support (21).