Drapery Track Torque Calibration for Obstacle and Pull Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motorized drapery track systems lack automatic detection of pulling forces and obstacles, leading to potential damage to the system and users due to uncontrolled torque, as users may not realize obstructions during automated movement.

Innovation Solution

A drapery track system with a motor, sensor, and controller that determines a multi-point overcurrent threshold profile by capturing current levels during travel segments, allowing for automatic detection of overcurrent events and adaptive torque control to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If motorized drapery track systems operate with automated movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect obstacles and pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated movementVSAvoiddetection of obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors motor current draw and compares it against predetermined thresholds to detect obstacles. When the current exceeds the threshold, the system provides feedback by stopping motor operation and alerting the user, resolving the contradiction between automated operation and obstacle detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical obstacle detection mechanisms with an electrical sensing system that monitors motor current. This substitution allows the system to maintain automated operation while gaining the ability to detect obstacles through electrical parameters rather than mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If motor operates with high torque to move heavy drapes, then power is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential damage from uncontrolled torque

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetorqueVSAvoiddamage from uncontrolled torque

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor operation based on real-time current monitoring. By comparing instantaneous current against predetermined thresholds, the system can modulate torque output to prevent damage while maintaining sufficient power for normal drape movement, resolving the contradiction between power delivery and damage prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes predetermined current thresholds before operation that represent safe torque limits. By monitoring current against these pre-established thresholds, the system takes preliminary action to prevent excessive torque application and potential damage before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the system implements obstacle detection through current monitoring, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detectionVSAvoidsensing and control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the motor's existing current draw characteristics for multiple purposes: both for normal operation control and for obstacle detection. By making the current sensing circuit serve dual functions, the patent adds obstacle detection capability without requiring entirely separate sensing systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system effectively minimizes damage by dynamically adjusting torque based on detected obstacles and pulling forces, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the drapery track system.

Implementation Method 1

a current sensing circuit configured for detecting current levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current measurement: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentUS10058205B2Automatic and dynamic torque calibration for drapery track system

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 CRESTRON ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A drapery track assembly is disclosed that performs an automatic and dynamic torque calibration to enable automatic detection of pulling of the drape as well as obstacles in order to minimize damage to the drapery track assembly and users. The drapery track assembly comprises a track, a drape attached to the track, a motor configured for moving the drape along the track, a sensor configured for sensing a position of the drape along the track, a current sensing circuit configured for detecting current levels, and a controller configured for controlling the motor and comprising at least one memory. The controller is configured for determining and storing a multi-point overcurrent threshold (OCTH) profile in each direction of travel comprising a plurality of overcurrent threshold (OCTH) values for each segment of travel along the track. The controller uses these multi-point overcurrent threshold (OCTH) profiles during normal operation to detect an overcurrent event and perform an overcurrent operation when a measured current level within a travel segment exceeds the overcurrent threshold (OCTH) value of that travel segment.