External Motor Drive System for Continuous Cord Loop Window Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering systems with internal motors face limitations in integrating user controls and automated functions, particularly in external motor systems where the motor and electronics are mounted outside the window frame, making it difficult to achieve seamless control and coordination of multiple blinds.
Innovation Solution
An external motor drive system that includes a motor, drive assembly, and controller with on-device controls such as capacitive touch strips and LED displays, allowing for user input and visual feedback, along with RF communication for group control and calibration of window covering positions, and a drive assembly that engages and advances a continuous cord loop to automate the opening and closing of window coverings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor and electronics are mounted within the headrail (internal motor system), then control integration is improved, but device complexity and space requirements within the headrail increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the motor drive system into two separate modules: an internal motor system mounted within the headrail and an external actuator mounted outside the window frame. The internal motor system includes the motor and control electronics, while the external actuator includes the drive assembly and cord loop engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows control integration benefits while avoiding headrail space constraints and structural complexity issues.
2Device complexity
If motor and electronics are mounted externally (external motor system), then headrail space and structural complexity are reduced, but control integration and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous cord loop acts as an intermediary mechanical connection between the internal motor system and the external actuator. The cord loop transmits rotational motion from the motor's driven wheel through the external actuator's drive assembly to the window covering mechanism, enabling coordinated control while maintaining physical separation between motor and actuator components.
3Ease of operation
If continuous cord loop is used for external actuator operation, then ease of operation is improved, but stress on cord loop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor speed and torque output based on operational phase: during normal operation, the motor runs at moderate speeds to minimize cord loop stress; during calibration mode, the motor operates at controlled speeds with reduced acceleration to protect the cord loop while establishing position references. The control system monitors and regulates power delivery to balance operational ease with cord loop durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.