Movable Barrier Operator Synchronization via Dynamic Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier operator systems face challenges in preventing collisions between dual gates under varying environmental conditions, requiring significant delay adjustments that increase operation time and rely on manual settings by trained installers, leading to potential misadjustments and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The system synchronizes the movement of multiple barriers by selecting and applying distinct operating characteristics for each barrier, such as speed and acceleration, to prevent interference, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and ensuring efficient operation regardless of environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a delay feature is used to prevent gate collisions, then collision prevention is improved, but the operation time of gates is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating characteristics (speed, acceleration, timing) of each barrier based on real-time detection of other barriers' positions and movements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to prevent collisions while minimizing delays, as barriers can move at optimal speeds rather than requiring fixed conservative delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positions and movement states of multiple barriers and uses this feedback information to coordinate their operations. Each barrier operator receives feedback about other barriers' status and adjusts its own operation accordingly, enabling collision prevention without excessive waiting time.
2Reliability
If manual delay adjustments are made by trained installers, then collision prevention can be optimized, but user convenience is reduced and misadjustments may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and adapts to environmental conditions and barrier movement characteristics without requiring manual intervention. Each barrier operator independently monitors and adjusts its own operating parameters based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for trained installers to perform manual delay adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes operating parameters (speed, acceleration, timing) based on detected environmental conditions and barrier positions. This automatic parameter adjustment replaces manual installer configurations, improving both reliability and user convenience.
3Reliability
If significant delay times are used to account for speed variation, then collision prevention is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic speed and acceleration control for each barrier based on real-time conditions rather than fixed conservative delays. This allows barriers to move as fast as safely possible, maximizing productivity while maintaining collision prevention through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
4Device complexity
If environmental conditions are not considered, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts its operating parameters based on environmental conditions such as wind, temperature, and barrier load. Each barrier operator monitors environmental factors and adjusts speed, acceleration, and timing accordingly, maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual configuration for different conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A first movable barrier operator is actuated in order to move a first movable barrier to a first predetermined position via a first movement and according to a first operating characteristic. A second operating characteristic is selected for moving a second movable barrier to a second predetermined position via a second movement. The second operating characteristic is chosen so that the second movement of the second movable barrier to the second predetermined position does not interfere with the first movement of the first movable barrier to the first predetermined position. A second movable barrier operator is actuated to move the second movable barrier to the second predetermined position via the second movement according to the second operating characteristic.