External Cord-Loop Motor Control With Touch Strip Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering systems with internal motors face challenges in integrating user control devices due to their internal configuration, limiting the integration of automated control functions and convenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
An external motor drive system with a motor and controlling electronics mounted externally to the window frame, featuring a drive assembly that engages and advances a continuous cord loop, and an input-output device with a capacitive touch strip and LEDs for user input and visual feedback, allowing for on-device control and communication with other motor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motor and controlling electronics are mounted within the headrail (internal motor system), then the system structure is compact and integrated, but the integration of user control devices is limited and operational convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the headrail containing the window covering mechanism, the external actuator mounted on the window frame, and the continuous cord loop connecting them. This segmentation allows the control interface to be positioned independently from the headrail, improving user accessibility and operational convenience while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A continuous cord loop serves as an intermediary element connecting the headrail mechanism to the external actuator. This mediator transmits mechanical force and motion between the separated components, enabling the external motor system to control the window covering without direct integration within the headrail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motor and controlling electronics are mounted within the headraw, then automated drive function is achieved, but the integration of on-device control features is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct components: the external actuator housing containing the motor, the separate control interface elements (capacitive touch strip, LEDs, buttons), and the continuous cord loop mechanism. This modular segmentation enables versatile on-device control features to be integrated into the external actuator without complicating the headrail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is moved from the traditional two-dimensional surface of the headrail to the external actuator mounted on the window frame, utilizing the three-dimensional space available outside the headrail. This dimensional relocation provides additional space for integrating multiple control features including capacitive touch strips, LED indicators, and physical buttons.
3Extent of automation
If an external motor system is used with continuous cord loop, then on-device control and automated functions can be integrated, but the system structure becomes more complex compared to internal motor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The external actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates the motor, control electronics, user interface (capacitive touch strip, LEDs, buttons), and continuous cord loop engagement mechanism into a single unit. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing overall system complexity despite the external configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor housing, control interface elements, and continuous cord loop engagement mechanism into an integrated external actuator assembly. This combining of components simplifies installation and system configuration compared to having separate elements, while enabling comprehensive automated control functions with on-device interface.
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
Enables intuitive and convenient user control of window coverings with integrated automated functions, including calibration and group control, enhancing operational simplicity and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
an input-output device with a capacitive touch strip and LEDs for user input and visual feedback
Implementation Method 2
an input-output device with a capacitive touch strip and LEDs for user input and visual feedback
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor drive system for operating a mechanism for raising and lowering window coverings includes a motor operating under electrical power and an electrically powered drive system. The motor drive system advances a continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an LEDs strip aligned with the input axis. A group mode module communicates the positional commands to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. A set control module enables user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. The input-output device extends vertically on the exterior of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons of the group mode module and the set control module.