Dual-Actuator Shading Control for High Torque With Lower Energy Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manoeuvring devices for occulting home-automation systems face issues with high energy consumption, bulkiness due to powerful motors, and complex management of diverse electric motors, which are incompatible with autonomous energy sources and increase the device's volume.

Innovation Solution

A manoeuvring device with two actuators, a first actuator designated as the master and a second as the slave, where the slave's position management module is partially disabled, and their operations are regulated based on torque detection and feedback mechanisms to optimize energy consumption and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a more powerful electric motor is used to supply high torque, then the torque capability is improved, but energy losses in converters increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidenergy losses in converters
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single motor system into two separate motors (first motor and second motor), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to use two less powerful motors instead of one powerful motor, reducing energy losses in converters while maintaining the required torque capability through coordinated operation of both motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If a more powerful electric motor is used to supply high torque, then the torque capability is improved, but the volume of the winding tube and manoeuvring device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidvolume of winding tube
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single motor system into two separate motors, each with smaller individual volumes. By using two compact motors instead of one large motor, the overall volume required in the winding tube is reduced, allowing for a more compact manoeuvring device design while still achieving the necessary torque output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If diverse electric motors are used to meet various application requirements, then adaptability is improved, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediversity of applicationsVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs two motors with identical characteristics that can perform multiple functions - both motors can drive the winding shaft independently or in coordination, and either motor can serve as master or slave. This universal design simplifies management compared to using diverse motors with different characteristics, while still providing adaptability to meet various application requirements through different operational modes.

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

4Device complexity

If a single powerful motor is used, then the device structure is simple, but energy consumption is high and autonomy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power system into two independent motor units, each with its own control capabilities. This segmentation enables more efficient energy consumption by allowing the motors to operate at optimal points and share the load, making the system compatible with autonomous energy sources while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of identical motor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12556114B2Method for controlling an operating device comprising a master actuator and a slave actuator and associated home automation shading system
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • US12556114B2 patent drawing
  • US12556114B2 patent drawing
  • US12556114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The method for controlling a maneuvering device (2) to maneuver a screen (3) of an occulting home-automation system (1) between at least a first position and a second position comprises: a first actuator (5) equipped with a first electric motor (9), a torque detection device (19) and a position management module (27), a second actuator (6) equipped with a second electric motor (12), a torque detection device (26) and a position management module (28), and a winding shaft (7). The actuator and the second actuator are configured to drive the winding shaft. The method includes designating the first actuator as master actuator and the second actuator as slave actuator.