Domotic Actuator Adjustment Tool for Collision Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated door and gate systems are inadequate in safely handling obstacles, particularly human or animal presence, due to reliance on maximum power settings and multiple sensors, which increase costs and do not accurately account for inertia effects.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic adjustment tool with a shock sensor and analyzer that measures force and speed during collisions, transmitting data to an actuator to adjust control parameters, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing sensor usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the actuator is set to maximum power for rapid operation, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased collision energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor operation speedVSAvoidcollision energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator control system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time feedback from force sensors and position encoders. The system transitions between high-power mode during normal operation and low-power mode when obstacles are detected, allowing rapid door operation while limiting collision energy through active power management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors operational parameters including motor current, position, and force applied to the door. This feedback loop enables the control system to detect obstacle presence and automatically reduce power output to limit collision energy while maintaining rapid operation during normal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple sensors are installed to improve obstacle detection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single multi-functional sensor assembly that combines force sensing, position detection, and obstacle detection capabilities. The force sensor serves multiple purposes: monitoring door operation forces, detecting obstacles, and providing feedback for power adjustment, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines force sensing and position detection functions into a single integrated sensor system. The force sensor is strategically positioned to simultaneously measure operational forces and detect obstacle presence, while the position encoder provides both location information and obstacle detection, merging multiple safety functions into unified sensor elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of the potentiometer is performed by inexperienced users, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to incorrect settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidadjustment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the adjustment function that would otherwise require manual potentiometer tuning. The control system self-calibrates by monitoring force sensor data during door operation and automatically adjusts power delivery parameters to optimize safety, eliminating the need for user intervention and ensuring consistent reliable settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from force sensors and position encoders to automatically determine optimal power settings. During initial operation or after power loss, the system performs self-calibration by measuring actual door forces and adjusting control parameters accordingly, ensuring safe operation without requiring user knowledge or manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enhances safety by optimizing actuator control based on real collision data, reducing the risk of collisions and lowering system costs by minimizing unnecessary sensors and human error.

Implementation Method 1

a shock sensor (31), capable of measuring the force F exerted on the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensor measurement: Force

Implementation Method 2

and the speed V of the mobile screen at the time of the collision

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2140319B1Method for adjusting a domotic installation and tool for implementing same
Publication Date: 2011.11.30 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2140319B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2140319B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting an actuator (21) of a moving element (11) of a domotic installation (10), characterized in that it comprises a step for installing an adjusting tool (30) capable of being placed in the path of the moving element between the moving element and a stop point (34), a step for setting the moving element in motion so as to cause a collision in which the adjusting tool takes part, and a step for transmitting, from the adjusting tool to the actuator, a piece of information characteristic of the collision.