Barrier Operator Parameter Adjustment via Identification Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Previous moveable barrier operator systems require complex installation procedures and trained professionals to enable or adjust features, leading to increased costs, time-consuming processes, and inconvenience for end users.

Innovation Solution

Enabling users to adjust parameters and features of moveable barrier operators using a predetermined identification signal, allowing for easy and quick updates without specialized installation, using a transmitter to send codes that enable or modify settings such as force limits and pet opening functions, with verification and time-limited adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a transmitter is used to actuate barrier operator features, then ease of operation is improved, but system security is worsened due to lack of authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of feature adjustmentVSAvoidsystem security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A receiver unit is introduced as an intermediary component that receives signals from the transmitter and processes authentication before executing feature adjustments. The receiver unit acts as a mediator between the user's transmitter and the barrier operator, verifying the transmitter's identification code before allowing parameter changes, thus maintaining both ease of operation and system security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If installer intervention is required for feature changes, then system security is improved, but loss of time is worsened due to scheduling delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables end-users to perform feature adjustments themselves through a simplified transmitter interface. Users can independently enable features, adjust force limits, and modify operational parameters without requiring professional installer intervention. The transmitter communicates directly with the receiver unit, which processes the authentication and executes the requested changes, eliminating scheduling delays and giving users full control over their barrier operator settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If special tools and complex procedures are used for feature installation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature installation precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical installation procedures with wireless electronic communication. Instead of requiring special tools, physical disassembly, and manual configuration, the transmitter sends wireless signals to the receiver unit, which electronically configures the barrier operator features. This substitution of mechanical processes with electronic signaling dramatically simplifies the installation process while maintaining precise feature activation and parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8416055B2Moveable barrier operator feature adjustment system and method
Publication Date: 2013.04.09 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC
  • US8416055B2 patent drawing
  • US8416055B2 patent drawing
  • US8416055B2 patent drawing

AI summary

At a moveable barrier operator, parameters are adjusted. At a first time, the moveable barrier operator is configured with at least one parameter and adjustment of the at least one parameter is disabled until a predetermined identification signal is received. At a second time, the predetermined identification signal is received and the at least one parameter is responsively adjusted.