Dual-Processor RF Actuator Control for Safe Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote controllable actuator systems require additional RF transmitters and often new controllers when adding more actuators, leading to cumbersome installations and potential safety risks due to single-point processor failures.
Innovation Solution
Each actuator is equipped with its own unique RF control system and controller pairing protocol, utilizing both GHz and Sub GHz RF for accurate pairing and a dual-processor setup to ensure safe operation, allowing a single hand-held controller to manage multiple actuators with enhanced reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single RF transmitter controls multiple actuators, then the controller structure is simplified, but adding new actuators requires adding new transmitters which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into independent actuator units, each with its own RF receiver and processor. This segmentation allows each actuator to be independently added or removed without affecting the overall controller structure, resolving the contradiction between simplified controller design and expandability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal actuator interface where all actuators communicate through the same RF protocol and processing architecture. This universality allows a single controller design to manage any number of actuators, providing both structural simplicity and expansion capability.
2Length of stationary object
If sub Ghz RF is used for long range communication, then communication range is extended, but pairing accuracy decreases due to inability to limit distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism during pairing where the controller and actuator exchange identification signals. The controller receives unique identifiers from actuators and establishes pairings based on this feedback, enabling accurate pairing despite long communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pairing protocol that acts as an intermediary process between the RF communication and actuator control. This protocol manages the pairing sequence, ensuring that only intended actuators are paired even when multiple actuators are within long-range RF coverage.
3Device complexity
If a single processor controls the actuator, then the system is simpler, but reliability decreases due to single point of failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by giving each actuator its own dedicated processor that independently processes control signals and monitors actuator status. This distributed processing architecture improves reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each processor handles only local control functions.
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
Enables easy addition of actuators without system updates and provides reliable, safe operation by requiring two processor failures for unintended motion, ensuring precise control and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Communication between hand held controller and actuator normally takes place via sub Ghz. RF. Sub Ghz RF permits longer range communication. The present invention therefore adds Ghz RF transmission means
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for use with an external controller, either alone or in a group including other actuators controlled from the same external controller. The actuator includes a housing for encasing internal components of the device; a motor assembly for creating motion, the motor assembly being disposed within the housing; and a drive assembly for driving a pushrod, the drive assembly being arranged within the housing and slidingly connected to the motor assembly. A remote control communication circuit is electrically connected to the motor. The remote control communication circuit includes a short range transmitter/receiver for paring the actuator to an external control device and a longer range transmitter/receiver for communicating operational control signals between the external control device and the actuator.