External motor drive system for window covering system with continuous cord loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering systems with internal motors face limitations in integrating user control devices due to their internal configuration, making it difficult to access and control multiple blinds in a coordinated manner.
Innovation Solution
An external motor drive system with on-device control, featuring a motor, drive assembly, and controller that advances a continuous cord loop for raising and lowering window coverings, along with an input-output device for user input and visual display, allowing for RF communication and group control of multiple blinds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an internal motor is mounted within the headrail, then the motorization is integrated into the window covering system, but it becomes difficult to integrate user control devices and access them for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the internal headrail configuration and relocated to an external mounting position. This allows the control device to be integrated into the motor housing, making it externally accessible while maintaining motorization functionality. The motor remains coupled to the window covering mechanism through the continuous cord loop, achieving both motorization and accessible control.
2Productivity
If multiple blinds are controlled individually, then each blind can be operated independently, but coordinated control of multiple blinds becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both individual and coordinated control operations. It can control the locally mounted motor's window covering independently, or simultaneously control multiple window coverings by communicating with other motors in the system. This universal control capability eliminates the need for separate control systems for each blind.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to track the status and position of multiple window coverings. This feedback system enables coordinated control by providing real-time information about each blind's state, allowing the user to synchronize operations across multiple blinds and achieve efficient batch control.
3Ease of operation
If an external motor is mounted on the window frame or wall, then user control devices can be integrated into the motor housing for easy access, but the motor mounting location becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is segmented into a motor housing unit that contains both the motor and control device as an integrated assembly. This modular segmentation allows the motor to be mounted in various external locations (window frame, wall, or other surfaces) while maintaining the integrated control functionality. The segmented design provides mounting flexibility without compromising control accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor drive system for operating a mechanism for raising and lowering window coverings includes a motor operating under electrical power and an electrically powered drive system. The motor drive system advances a continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an LEDs strip aligned with the input axis. A group mode module communicates the positional commands to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. A set control module enables user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. The input-output device extends vertically on the exterior of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons of the group mode module and the set control module.