Adjustable Slat Mobile Screen Control for Vision and Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile screens with adjustable blades lack intuitive and simple operation methods, failing to provide both safety when closed and user comfort, particularly in terms of field of vision and ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling a mobile screen with adjustable blades using an electromechanical actuator, allowing for different orientation modes, including gradual and all-or-nothing orientations, with hardware and software means to define and execute specific orientation sequences based on the screen's position, enabling safe and comfortable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electromechanical actuators control mobile screens with adjustable blades, then the screen can provide safety when closed, but the operation lacks intuitiveness and simplicity, and fails to provide optimal field of vision and ventilation simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation intuitivenessVSAvoidfield of vision and ventilation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control modes that adapt to different operational contexts. The system switches between progressive orientation mode (for safety when closed) and simultaneous orientation mode (for field of vision and ventilation), making the screen's behavior adaptable to user needs while maintaining simple operation through automatic mode selection based on screen position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of blade orientation based on screen position. When the screen is fully closed, blades are oriented progressively for safety. When the screen is partially open, blades can be oriented simultaneously to maximize field of vision and ventilation, thus adapting parameters to operational context without complicating user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If blades are oriented progressively from the slat closest to the winding tube, then the operation is simple and intuitive, but the field of vision and ventilation are limited compared to simultaneous orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidfield of vision area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between progressive and simultaneous blade orientation based on screen position. When the screen is partially open, the system switches to simultaneous orientation mode, allowing all visible blades to be oriented at once, thereby maximizing field of vision area while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic mode determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the screen is closed with all blades oriented for safety, then privacy and security are ensured, but ventilation and field of vision are completely blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety when closedVSAvoidventilation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating blade orientation behavior based on screen position. When the screen is fully closed, all blades are oriented for safety and privacy. When the screen is partially open, only the visible portion of blades are oriented while maintaining closure of the full screen, thus providing ventilation and field of vision while preserving safety where the screen remains closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2495386B1Operating method of a mobile screen with adjustable slats of a building
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2495386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2495386B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2495386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves carrying out orientation of opening or closing of two or three adjacent orientable slats (3') one after the other during execution of orientation control, in an orientation mode i.e. gradual orientation mode. The orientation of opening or closing of the two or three adjacent orientable slats is carried out simultaneously during execution of the control in another orientation mode i.e. fully extended/retracted orientation mode. The gradual orientation mode or the fully extended/retracted orientation mode is determined based on a position of a shutter during the execution. An independent claim is also included for an orientable slat integrated movable screen for a building.