Actuating Device for Moving a Barrier with Automatic End-of-Run Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuating devices for moving barriers, such as blinds and shutters, require a laborious setup procedure to define end-of-run positions, which is time-consuming and costly, especially when managing multiple devices, and does not allow for fine regulation or updates due to factors like settling or atmospheric changes.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a tubular supporting element, a gear motor, and a control unit that can be manually adjusted using command signals to update the end-of-run positions without the need for a complex setup procedure, allowing for fine-tuned regulation and adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional setup procedure with computer connection is used to define end of run positions, then the end of run positions can be established, but the procedure is lengthy, laborious and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the barrier to automatically learn and memorize its own end of run positions through sensor detection during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual setup procedures. The barrier independently identifies when it reaches extreme positions and stores this information in memory, enabling self-configuration without skilled personnel or computer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computer-based electronic setup procedure with a sensor-based automatic detection system. Optical or magnetic sensors detect the barrier's position mechanically/physically during operation, converting this into electrical signals that the control unit processes to automatically establish end of run positions, substituting complex electronic setup with simpler sensor-based automatic detection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the set-up procedure is executed for each end of run position, then precise positioning is achieved, but the process becomes particularly tedious and costly for multiple barriers
Solution Approach 1:
Each barrier automatically learns and memorizes its own end of run positions through sensor detection during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual setup procedures. The barrier independently identifies when it reaches extreme positions and stores this information in memory, enabling self-configuration without skilled personnel or computer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic learning system provides a universal solution that works for any number of barriers without requiring additional setup procedures. The same sensor-based automatic detection and memory storage mechanism can be applied to multiple barriers simultaneously, making the system equally effective whether installing one barrier or many, thereby achieving economies of scale.
3Ease of operation
If conventional actuating devices are used, then barrier movement is regulated, but fine regulation of end of run positions is not possible without executing the set-up procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts end of run positions based on sensor detection during normal operation. The barrier continuously monitors its position through sensors and can automatically adjust and memorize new end of run positions as needed, allowing dynamic regulation without fixed pre-programmed positions. This enables flexible adaptation to changing conditions such as settling or atmospheric changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to provide continuous feedback about the barrier's position during operation. This feedback allows the control unit to detect when the barrier reaches extreme positions and automatically adjust the end of run positions accordingly. The feedback mechanism enables automatic fine-tuning of positions without requiring manual intervention or re-execution of setup procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If end of run positions are fixed during installation, then initial operation is established, but updates are necessary due to settling, atmospheric conditions, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts end of run positions based on sensor detection during normal operation. The barrier continuously monitors its position through sensors and can automatically adjust and memorize new end of run positions as needed, allowing dynamic regulation without fixed pre-programmed positions. This enables flexible adaptation to changing conditions such as settling or atmospheric changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to provide continuous feedback about the barrier's position during operation. This feedback allows the control unit to detect when the barrier reaches extreme positions and automatically adjust the end of run positions accordingly. The feedback mechanism enables automatic fine-tuning of positions without requiring manual intervention or re-execution of setup procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating device for moving a barrier comprising a gear motor adapted to transmit a rotary motion to a tubular support, solidly connected to said barrier and rotating with respect to a fixed support. The actuating device comprises improved regulation means of the end of run positions of the gear motor, which are easily usable even by an unskilled user.