Awning Wind Sensor Integration for Accurate Deployment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling awnings in windy conditions face challenges due to the inaccuracy of wind speed measurements, particularly when using anemometers separate from the awning, and the sensitivity issues when integrating sensors into the winding tube or load bar, which can lead to false readings and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates a wind sensor into the winding tube of the awning, allowing for static and dynamic measurements by deploying the awning to specific intermediate positions to accurately detect wind effects, thereby overcoming sensitivity and safety concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an anemometer is used to measure wind speed, then wind speed measurement is provided, but the measurement is not accurate for the blind's location and does not capture perpendicular wind components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) into an integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU) system mounted on the blind structure. This merging allows simultaneous measurement of linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field orientation, providing comprehensive wind effect data that captures both magnitude and direction of wind forces acting on the blind.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that translates complex multi-axis sensor data into meaningful wind force vectors. The control unit processes accelerometer and gyroscope readings to distinguish between wind-induced movements and other disturbances, effectively mediating between raw sensor signals and actionable wind measurement information.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed at the load bar to measure wind effects, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but power supply and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor system with existing blind components by mounting the IMU on the load bar or arm structure that is already part of the blind's mechanical system. This integration leverages existing structural elements and power connections, reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement sensitivity at the optimal location.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serving the IMU sensors is designed to perform multiple functions: processing wind effect data, controlling blind movement, and interfacing with user interfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated processing hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement sensitivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a sensor is placed at the winding tube to simplify installation, then installation complexity is reduced, but measurement sensitivity decreases due to lack of deformation amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the gyroscope and magnetometer components of the IMU as intermediary sensors that detect wind-induced rotational movements and orientation changes at the winding tube location. These sensors compensate for the lack of structural deformation amplification by measuring angular velocity and magnetic field variations caused by wind forces, maintaining measurement sensitivity without requiring placement at the load bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an excessive sensing approach by using multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) rather than a single sensor. This redundancy and over-sensing capability ensures that even though the winding tube location provides less structural amplification, the combined data from multiple sensor types compensates for the reduced sensitivity, maintaining accurate wind effect measurement.
4Area of stationary object
If the blind is fully deployed to maximize shade coverage, then shading effectiveness is improved, but vulnerability to wind stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic blind positioning that automatically adjusts the blind's deployment state based on real-time wind effect measurements. The system transitions between fully deployed, partially deployed, and retracted positions dynamically, optimizing the balance between shaded area provision and wind resistance. This dynamic adaptation allows the blind to maintain maximum shading during calm conditions while automatically reducing exposure during windy periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous feedback from the IMU sensors to the control unit, which monitors wind effect magnitudes and adjusts blind position accordingly. When wind effects exceed predefined thresholds, the feedback loop triggers automatic retraction or partial deployment commands, creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically balances shading effectiveness with structural safety based on real-time environmental conditions.
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 approach provides precise wind speed detection, enabling effective control of the awning's deployment and retraction based on predefined thresholds, enhancing the awning's resistance to wind stress and ensuring safety by simplifying sensor installation and interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (12) placed at the level of the winding tube (3), characterised in that a quantity (C) corresponding to the effect of the wind on the fabric (4) is measured dynamically, that is to say while the fabric (4) is being deployed or wound up
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method involves deploying a cloth of an arm awning till an intermediary position (Pi) is attained. An effect of wind on the cloth is measured using a sensor without the cloth being subjected to a motorized movement during the measurement. The cloth is folded if the effect of wind is higher than a predefined threshold (Gs1), and the cloth is deployed above the intermediary position if the effect of wind is lesser or equal to the predefined threshold. An independent claim is also included for a home automation device comprising a sensor for measuring an effect of wind on a wind sensitive screen.