Dual-Output Actuator for Venetian Blind Slat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Venetian blind actuators face issues with discomfort due to the coupling of slat height adjustment and orientation functions, leading to complex and expensive designs, and the addition of extra motors makes systems heavy and non-compact.
Innovation Solution
A drive actuator with two parallel output shafts and a controlled coupling mechanism allows independent control of slat height and orientation, using a dual-output motor with an electromagnetically controlled clutch for selective rotation transmission, enabling decoupling of functions and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor with coupled winders is used for both lifting and orienting slats, then the actuator structure is simplified, but the slat orientation cannot be independently controlled during blind lowering, causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The single output shaft is segmented into two parallel output shafts, allowing independent control of lifting and orientation functions. The first output shaft controls the lifting winder while the second output shaft controls the orientation winder, enabling independent operation of both functions without requiring a complex angle transmission device.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two parallel output shafts, allowing selective transmission of rotational movement from the first output shaft to the second output shaft. This mediator enables coordinated operation when needed while maintaining independence when required, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If two separate motors are used for lifting and orienting functions, then independent control is achieved, but the system becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate motors are merged into a single motor with a dual-output transmission mechanism. The single motor drives two parallel output shafts through internal gear mechanisms, achieving independent control of lifting and orientation functions while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure. This combining approach eliminates the need for two separate motor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism uses parallel output shafts instead of concentric arrangements, creating a new spatial dimension for power transmission. This parallel shaft configuration allows independent control while maintaining compact dimensions, avoiding the weight and space penalties of two separate motors.
3Ease of operation
If two separate motors are used for lifting and orienting, then independent control is achieved, but the horizontal box size increases, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
Two motor units are merged into a single integrated actuator with parallel output shafts. This consolidation reduces the horizontal footprint of the horizontal box while maintaining independent control capabilities, improving adaptability to various blind sizes and installation spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator uses a parallel shaft configuration instead of concentric or side-by-side motor arrangements, optimizing the spatial distribution of components. This dimensional reorganization reduces the horizontal box area while preserving full functional independence, enhancing adaptability to different application scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If a bevel gear angle transmission device is added for independent slat orientation, then operational independence is improved, but the actuator becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The output shaft is segmented into two parallel shafts, eliminating the need for complex angle transmission devices like bevel gears. Each parallel shaft independently drives its respective winder, achieving operational independence through structural segmentation rather than complex mechanical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled coupling mechanism serves as a simple intermediary between the two parallel output shafts, replacing complex bevel gear systems. This mediator allows selective power transmission between shafts through a straightforward coupling design, reducing overall actuator complexity while maintaining functional independence.
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 allows for seamless operation of raising or lowering the blind without reorienting slats, enhancing ergonomics and compactness, facilitating integration with various Venetian blinds and simplifying control through a unified control unit.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling means comprises a second gear and the second gear comprises an electromagnetically controlled clutch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An actuator (2) for driving a blind with adjustable slats, said actuator comprising a housing (20) inside which a motor (22) is installed, said motor driving a first output shaft (21) that projects on either side of the housing (20), characterised in that the actuator further comprises a second output shaft (23) of which the axis of rotation (X23) is parallel to and not coinciding with that of the first output shaft (21) and controlled coupling means (26) making it possible to selectively transmit a rotational movement from the first output shaft (21) to the second output shaft (23), and in that the second output shaft (23) projects on either side of the housing (20).