Moveable Barrier Operator with Directional Light Sources

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moveable barrier operator systems with light sources are inefficient as they provide general illumination without the ability to direct light to specific areas of interest, leading to unnecessary illumination of areas and inadequate lighting where needed.

Innovation Solution

The integration of individually directable light sources within the moveable barrier operator system, controlled by a motor and controller, allows for the selection and adjustment of light groups to illuminate specific areas based on user instructions, enabling precise illumination of areas of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If general illumination light sources are used, then overall lighting coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to illuminating unnecessary areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverage areaVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable light sources positioned at different locations around the barrier operator. Each light source can be individually activated or deactivated based on the specific area that needs illumination, allowing selective lighting rather than illuminating the entire area continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different light sources are positioned to illuminate specific local areas of interest around the barrier operator. The system provides localized illumination quality tailored to different spatial regions, enabling users to light only the areas where they need visibility rather than providing uniform illumination throughout the entire area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If general illumination light sources are used, then overall lighting coverage is improved, but lighting precision deteriorates as specific areas cannot be adequately illuminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverage areaVSAvoidlighting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable light sources positioned at different locations around the barrier operator. Each light source can be individually activated or deactivated based on the specific area that needs illumination, allowing selective lighting rather than illuminating the entire area continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different light sources are positioned to illuminate specific local areas of interest around the barrier operator. The system provides localized illumination quality tailored to different spatial regions, enabling users to light only the areas where they need visibility rather than providing uniform illumination throughout the entire area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If repositionable reflectors are used, then light pattern flexibility is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight pattern flexibilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system provides dynamic control over which light sources are activated and their illumination directions. Users can programmatically control the barrier operator to illuminate different areas based on real-time needs, providing adaptability without requiring physical repositioning of reflectors or complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8692684B2Moveable barrier operator having directional light sources and corresponding method

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

A moveable barrier operator includes a motor for moving a moveable barrier and a housing is disposed around the motor. The moveable barrier operator also includes a plurality of light sources and the plurality of light source are coupled to the housing along a periphery of the housing and being individually directable so as to illuminate at least one predetermined area outside the housing. The at least one predetermined area is proximal to a moveable barrier operator. A controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. The controller is arranged and configured to automatically selectively actuate the motor to move the moveable barrier according to received user instructions.