Architectural Covering Clutch Control for Manual 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
An apparatus with an engaging/disengaging clutch and position tracking devices allows for both motorized and manual operation, disengaging the motor when not in use to conserve power and accurately track the covering's position using encoders and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the motor is continuously engaged to track covering position, then position tracking is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically switches between engaged and disengaged states based on operational mode. In motorized mode, the clutch is engaged to couple the motor with the covering mechanism, enabling precise position tracking through motor control. In manual mode, the clutch disengages to decouple the motor, eliminating power consumption while maintaining position tracking capability through separate manual position sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor coupling function from the continuous operation system by introducing a clutch mechanism. This allows the motor to be selectively connected or disconnected from the covering mechanism, enabling the system to operate in manual mode without motor power consumption while retaining the ability to engage motorized control when needed
2Ease of operation
If the motor is engaged during manual operation, then motorized control is available, but manual operation becomes difficult due to motor resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct motorized and manual operational modes through the clutch mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to provide either motorized control or manual operation at any given time, preventing the conflict where motor resistance would impede manual operation while maintaining the capability for both modes through separate control pathways
3Measurement precision
If position tracking is continuously monitored, then accurate positioning is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position tracking system is designed with multi-functionality to serve both motorized and manual operational modes. A single integrated tracking mechanism uses encoder signals during motorized operation and transitions to alternative position sensing methods during manual operation, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems for each mode and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method includes transmitting a first drive instruction to drive a motor in a first direction while the motor is in an engaged state, wherein driving the motor in the first direction causes the covering to move. The method further includes determining the motor is to terminate an operation. The method further includes transmitting a termination instruction to the motor to terminate the operation. The method further includes determining a first position of the motor. The method further includes transmitting a second drive instruction to drive the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction from the first position to a second position, causing the motor to enter a disengaged state, wherein driving the motor in the second direction does not cause the covering to move.