Blind Drive Obstacle Detection via Dynamic Current Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized drive devices for home automation and solar protection systems require additional switches for detecting upper and lower limit stops and obstacles, leading to increased costs and potential untimely stops or missed obstacle detection due to difficulties in updating intensity threshold values based on usage and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize an electronic control unit to measure current intensity differences over time, select appropriate threshold values, and dynamically determine the presence of obstacles or limit switches, eliminating the need for separate obstacle detection devices and learning phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional switches are used for detecting limit stops and obstacles, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of limit stop detection and obstacle detection into a single current measuring device. The electronic control unit uses the same current sensor to detect both the upper and lower limit stops by identifying characteristic current profiles, and to detect obstacles by comparing current values against dynamic thresholds. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The current measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects the upper limit stop, lower limit stop, and obstacles during screen movement. The electronic control unit analyzes current values in different movement phases to identify various conditions, making the single device universal for all detection needs rather than requiring specialized sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If intensity threshold values are updated based on usage and environmental conditions, then obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but difficulty in guaranteeing threshold updating increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection accuracyVSAvoidthreshold updating complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically learning the current profiles during limit stop positions through a learning phase. The electronic control unit stores these characteristic profiles in memory and uses them as reference for obstacle detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual threshold adjustment and enables automatic adaptation to environmental changes and usage patterns over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the electronic control unit modifies intensity thresholds based on elapsed time, screen position, and learned current profiles. The thresholds are not fixed but change according to the operational context, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy across varying environmental conditions and usage scenarios without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a learning phase is implemented to determine current profiles, then obstacle detection reliability is improved, but loss of time during commissioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection reliabilityVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The learning phase is automatically executed during the initial commissioning of the system to capture the characteristic current profiles at limit stop positions. This preliminary action stores reference data in the electronic control unit's memory that enables reliable obstacle detection throughout the system's operation. By performing this calibration upfront, the system establishes accurate detection parameters that prevent false positives and ensure reliable operation for the entire service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for reliable detection of end positions and obstacles while minimizing costs and preventing untimely stops, ensuring the protection of the motorized drive device and home automation installation.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (16), the electric motor (16) comprising an output shaft (20) connected to the winding tube (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a device for measuring an intensity value of an electric current passing through the electric motor (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3172394B1Method of controlling a blind drive, drive system with such method and blind with such drive
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3172394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3172394B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3172394B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Said method for operationally controlling a motor-driven device for driving a home automated closure or sun-shading apparatus includes at least the following steps: - measuring (E21), via a measuring device, a first value of the strength of an electrical current passing through an electric motor; - determining (E24) a difference in strength relative to the first measured strength value after a period of time starting from the moment that the first strength value is measured has elapsed; - selecting (E25) one of the first threshold strength values on the basis of the elapsed time period; - comparing (E26) the difference in strength determined relative to the selected threshold strength value; and - determining (E27) the presence or absence of an obstacle or end of travel on the basis of the result of the comparison step (E26).