Sliding Curtain Actuator Housing for Protected Cable Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven curtain installations are not discreet, aesthetically pleasing, and are prone to accidental disconnection of power cables due to exposed interfaces, which can lead to improper use by uninformed users.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical actuator with a dual internal housing structure that separates and protects electrical components, including a power supply cable, within a box design that features a removable cover to conceal and secure these components, ensuring they are not visible or easily accessible for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power cable connection and control interfaces are left accessible for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection by uninformed users
Solution Approach 1:
The box is divided into two separate housings: a first housing containing the motor and power supply unit, and a second housing containing electrical components and control interfaces. This segmentation isolates the power cable connection within the first housing, protecting it from accidental disconnection while maintaining accessibility for proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable cover acts as an intermediary element that provides controlled access to the electrical components in the second housing. The cover protects the interfaces from accidental contact by uninformed users while allowing authorized access for maintenance and control module replacement.
2Ease of repair
If the electrical components and power cable are exposed for accessibility, then the ease of repair is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to visible cables and interfaces that can be accidentally manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the box into two housings with different access levels, the invention protects electrical components from accidental manipulation while maintaining ease of repair. The first housing contains the power cable connection, and the second housing contains control interfaces, both protected by appropriate covers that prevent unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable covers serve as flexible protective barriers that can be easily removed for repair purposes but remain in place during normal operation to prevent accidental disconnection. These covers provide a simple yet effective solution to protect electrical interfaces while maintaining accessibility when needed.
3Device complexity
If the actuator components are mounted in a compact box, then the device complexity is reduced, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to limited space for cable management and component protection
Solution Approach 1:
The compact box is segmented into two housings that efficiently organize components and cables. The first housing accommodates the motor and power supply with the power cable connection, while the second housing contains control modules and interfaces. This segmentation enables effective cable management within the compact space while protecting cables from exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing is nested within or adjacent to the first housing in a space-efficient arrangement. The removable cover of the second housing provides additional protection for electrical components without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the actuator, maintaining compactness while enhancing protection.
Data Source
AI summary
This electro-mechanical actuator is used to operate a curtain mounted to slide along an axis. It comprises a motor (24), a power supply unit (22) for powering the motor and a box (20), the motor (24) and the power supply unit (22) being received in a first housing (L1) that is internal to the box (20). The box (20) forms at least one second internal housing (L2, L′2), separated from the first internal housing by a wall (35, 43) of the box, and in which an electrical or electronic component (28, 50) of the actuator is received that is distinct from the motor (24) and from the power supply unit (22). A removable cover (33, 41) isolates the or each second housing (L2, L′2) from the outside of the box (20).