Barrier Operator Force Limit Setup Without External Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier operator systems require an external entrapment device to set or revise force limits, which may not be practical or available in all situations, limiting flexibility and increasing setup time.
Innovation Solution
A barrier operator system with a motor, controller, and sensor that allows users to establish force limits through user input and sensor feedback, enabling flexible configuration and reduced setup time without relying on external entrapment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external entrapment device is required to set force limits, then safety can be ensured through obstacle detection, but system complexity increases and setup time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force limit setting function from the requirement of an external entrapment device. The barrier operator system now includes integrated sensors and control logic that directly measure forces during barrier movement and automatically establish force limits without requiring separate external safety devices. This reduces system complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier operator system performs self-configuration by automatically establishing force limits during initial operation. The system uses its own sensors to detect forces and set appropriate limits without requiring external entrapment devices or complex external safety systems. This self-service capability reduces both device complexity and setup time while ensuring safety through obstacle detection.
2Reliability
If an external entrapment device is required to set force limits, then force limits can be established, but setup time increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary force limit establishment during the initial barrier movement operation. Instead of requiring separate setup procedures with external devices, the system automatically measures forces during the first barrier traversal and pre-configures appropriate force limits. This preliminary action reduces setup time while ensuring force limits are properly established for safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier operator system automatically configures its own force limits during initial operation without requiring external entrapment devices or extended setup procedures. The system uses integrated sensors to measure forces and self-determine appropriate limits, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining the reliability of force limit establishment.
3Reliability
If an external entrapment device is required to set force limits, then force limits can be configured, but adaptability to different situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts force limit configuration based on actual measured forces during barrier movement. Instead of requiring pre-configured external entrapment devices for each situation, the system automatically adjusts force limits based on real-time sensor data, barrier weight, and operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation provides configuration flexibility while ensuring reliable force limit establishment for various scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by automatically adjusting force limits based on measured forces during different barrier movements. The system can modify force limit values, sensor thresholds, and control parameters based on actual operating conditions without requiring external device reconfiguration. This parameter adaptability enhances versatility while maintaining reliable force limit configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier operator includes a motor, a controller operably connected to the motor, a sensor, and a control module. The motor is couplable to a drive mechanism of a barrier and is configured to move the barrier between open and closed positions. The sensor is configured to monitor an operating parameter of the barrier operator associated with movement of the barrier. The control module includes user input controls. The controller is configured to receive a first user input from the control module; initiate, in response to receipt of the first user input, operation of the motor for a first movement of the barrier to establish a first travel limit of the barrier; receive a first signal indicative of the operating parameter from the sensor; and generate, during the first movement of the barrier, a first force limit based on the first signal from the sensor.