Dual-Mode Window Covering Control With Clutch Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Architectural coverings with motorized and manual operation modes face challenges in accurately tracking the position of the covering, especially when manually adjusted, and consume excessive power due to continuous motor engagement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an engaging/disengaging clutch mechanism that decouples the electric motor from the drive shaft when not in use, along with position tracking devices to monitor and maintain the covering's position, and powering down electrical components to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electric motor remains continuously engaged with the drive shaft, then the covering position can be tracked accurately, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically engages and disengages the motor from the drive shaft based on operational needs. When the covering is manually adjusted, the clutch disengages to allow free rotation without motor resistance. When motorized operation is required, the clutch engages to enable precise position tracking and control, thus adapting the system's coupling state to current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own operational cycles to periodically re-engage with the drive shaft for position tracking without requiring continuous engagement. The motor briefly engages during scheduled intervals or upon detection of position changes to update tracking data, then disengages to conserve energy, allowing the system to maintain accuracy while minimizing power consumption
2Ease of operation
If the electric motor is continuously engaged, then motorized operation is available, but manual operation becomes difficult due to motor resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism provides dynamic switching between manual and motorized modes. During manual operation, the clutch disengages the motor from the drive shaft, eliminating motor resistance and allowing smooth manual adjustment. When motorized operation is needed, the clutch engages to provide automated control, thus enabling the system to adapt its degree of automation based on current operational requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If the motor is disengaged from the drive shaft, then power consumption is reduced, but position tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous engagement, the motor periodically re-engages with the drive shaft at scheduled intervals or upon detection of position changes. During these brief engagement periods, the motor tracks the covering position accurately. Between engagements, the motor remains disengaged to conserve energy, thus maintaining position tracking accuracy while minimizing power consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.