Motorized Venetian Blind Slat Closure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blind systems with adjustable slats and tilt-only actuators often result in unsatisfactory residual light gaps due to inconsistent end position detection, leading to premature activation of detecting means and inadequate closure.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows adjustment of the residual light gap between slats in a closed position using automatic detection and a control unit with software means, enabling the installer to set and adjust detection criteria for precise end limit positioning and torque control, allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of the light gap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic detection means are used to determine end positions, then positioning speed and automation are improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to premature activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic detectionVSAvoidend position detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by adjusting detection criteria and torque parameters before final positioning. The method allows preliminary adjustment of the detection threshold and motor torque to ensure that automatic detection activates at the correct moment, preventing premature activation and ensuring accurate end position detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key parameters including detection criteria (threshold values for detecting end positions), motor torque settings, and positioning speed. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes both automation performance and positioning precision, allowing the detection means to activate at the appropriate moment rather than prematurely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If tilt-only actuators are used with wide range blinds, then adaptability is improved, but closure precision deteriorates resulting in residual light gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator compatibilityVSAvoidslat closure precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor torque during the positioning process. By varying torque levels based on the blind's position and dimensions, the system maintains adaptability across different blind sizes while achieving precise closure. The torque adjustment ensures that the actuator can handle both small and large blinds effectively without leaving residual light gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the blind's position and detection criteria activation. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts its operation to achieve precise closure. The feedback loop ensures that the actuator compensates for variations in blind dimensions and maintains consistent closure precision across different installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If detection means are activated early to prevent over-closure, then reliability is improved, but closure completeness deteriorates leaving light gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidclosure completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary adjustment of detection criteria and torque parameters before final positioning. By pre-configuring the detection threshold and motor torque appropriately, the system ensures that detection activates at the correct moment rather than too early, achieving both reliability and complete closure without light gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes detection parameters including threshold values and torque settings to optimize the balance between reliability and closure completeness. By adjusting these parameters, the system ensures that detection means activate at the appropriate moment, preventing both premature activation and incomplete closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2078818B1Method for adjusting the residual light gap between slats of a motorized venetian blind
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2078818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2078818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2078818B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for adjusting the residual light gap between slats of a motorized blind when oriented in a set closed position of the blind, where at least one closed position of the slats is set by automatic detection using detecting means, comprising the following steps : adjusting a detection criterion of the detecting means, performing anew automatic detection of the closed position with adjusted detection criterion, recording the new value of the detection criterion.