Movable Barrier Operator Intermediate Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier operators, such as garage door openers, lack the ability to automatically adjust to intermediate positions based on user needs, requiring multiple manual commands and wasting time and energy, especially in large industrial or commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A movable barrier operator system with a motor, processing circuit, and communication interface that automatically moves a barrier from a completely open position to a closed position and then to a user-defined intermediate position, allowing for precise control and energy savings by receiving a single intermediate open command, and utilizing sensors and safety features to adjust the door height based on vehicle or person dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a garage door opener moves the door completely open or completely closed based on simple commands, then the operation is simple and reliable, but it cannot provide intermediate positions for ventilation or pet access
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the door position based on the type of command received. Different button presses (top, middle, bottom of remote) trigger different motion sequences, allowing the door to adapt between complete open, complete closed, and intermediate positions without requiring separate physical mechanisms for each position
2Ease of operation
If a user wants to open the garage door only partially for a pet or vehicle, then energy loss is reduced and security is maintained, but the user must manually control the door position which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically moving the door to the closed position first before opening it to the desired intermediate position. This two-stage process (close then open to intermediate) is executed automatically upon receiving a single button press, eliminating the need for users to manually control the door through multiple positions
3Temperature
If a garage door is opened completely for ventilation, then air circulation is maximized, but heat loss increases and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the position parameter of the door from binary (open/closed) to a continuous spectrum of intermediate positions. By allowing the door to stop at various heights between fully closed and fully open, users can optimize the balance between ventilation (air circulation) and heat loss reduction, achieving partial opening that provides sufficient airflow while minimizing energy waste
4Ease of operation
If the movable barrier operator automatically moves from first open position to closed position and then to second open position, then intermediate positions are achieved with a single command, but the operation time increases due to the two-stage movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by executing the close-then-open sequence automatically without requiring user intervention at intermediate stages. The motor continues operating through both stages (closing and then opening to intermediate position) based on a single initial command, making the extended operation time acceptable due to the hands-free convenience
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier operator includes a communication interface configured to receive commands that cause the motor to move the movable barrier. The movable barrier operator further includes a processing circuit configured to cause the motor to automatically move the movable barrier from a first open position toward a closed position and then from the closed position toward a second open position different from the first open position in response to receipt of an intermediate open command by the communication interface. The processing circuit can also cause the motor of the movable barrier operator to move the movable barrier toward the first open position in response to the processing circuit determining that the movable barrier had been obstructed while moving from the first open position toward the closed position.