Awning Actuator Position Reset via Torque Zone Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated solar protection systems with electromechanical actuators face challenges in accurately determining the awning's position, especially after manual operations during power outages, leading to incorrect resetting and potential damage or undesired behaviors.
Innovation Solution
The system employs measurement means to detect torque and speed variations, combined with a test sequence of extension and retraction movements to analyze operational zones, allowing for precise determination of the awning's positioning zone and activating/deactivating stop detection accordingly to ensure accurate automatic resetting without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absolute position sensors are used to detect manual operation during power outage, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex absolute position sensors with a simplified approach using the motor's existing torque and speed measurements. By analyzing mechanical parameters (torque peaks, speed variations) during operation, the system determines positioning zones and detects manual operations without requiring additional complex sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own operational characteristics (torque and speed data already being collected for control purposes) to simultaneously determine positioning zones and detect manual operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection systems, reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If torque measurement is used to detect stop position, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential damage from high detection thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the torque detection threshold based on the determined positioning zone. Different zones have different characteristic torque ranges, and the system adapts its detection criteria accordingly. This allows use of low thresholds in zones where the motor operates gently, preventing damage while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (torque threshold values) according to the positioning zone identified. By matching detection thresholds to the expected torque characteristics of each zone, the system achieves accurate stop detection without applying excessive torque that could damage the installation.
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 enables reliable and error-free automatic resetting of the awning's position, preventing damage and ensuring proper operation by distinguishing between operational and positioning zones, thus stabilizing the system's measurements and preventing false reference positions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting torque and speed variations, combined with a test sequence of extension and retraction movements to analyze operational zones
Implementation Method 2
detecting torque and speed variations, combined with a test sequence of extension and retraction movements to analyze operational zones
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electromechanical actuator (6) for an awning with arms (1), comprising a control unit (8), stop detection means (9) and means (7) for measuring a parameter (Ucapa) of the actuator, the awning being able to move over its travel in at least a first (ZP1) and a second (ZP2, ZP3) positioning zone, the method comprising the following steps: upon detecting an initiating event, automatic determination, from the measurement of the parameter of the actuator, of the positioning zone in which the current position of the awning is located; and if the current position of the awning is located in the second positioning zone, temporary deactivation of the stop detection means for detecting a stop in the course of a movement of the awning towards a stop position.