Fume Cupboard Sash Drive With Low-Detent Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fume cupboards with motorized sashes require complex and costly clutches to facilitate both motor and manual operation, exceeding the force limits set by European standards and lacking efficient obstacle detection and automatic closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system with a motor connected to suspension elements via a fixed gear, utilizing a detent torque electric motor to enable smooth manual operation without a clutch, combined with sensors for automatic sash control and obstacle detection, ensuring compliance with European standards and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clutch is used to enable manual operation of the sash, then the sash can be moved manually with less force, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clutch mechanism from the system. By selecting a motor with appropriately low detent torque, the patent removes the need for a clutch entirely, allowing direct manual operation of the sash without engagement/disengagement mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of motor detent torque to a specific range (0-1000 mNm, preferably 10-500 mNm, most preferably 20-250 mNm) that allows manual operation without exceeding 30N force requirement. This parameter optimization eliminates the need for a clutch while satisfying both automated and manual operation requirements
2Device complexity
If no clutch is used and the sash is moved manually, then the device complexity is reduced, but a considerable force is required to move the sash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the motor's detent torque parameter to fall within 0-1000 mNm (preferably 10-500 mNm, most preferably 20-250 mNm). This specific parameter range ensures that the motor's inherent resistance to manual rotation does not exceed the 30N force limit, allowing simple direct connection without a clutch while maintaining acceptable manual operability
3Power
If a motor with high detent torque is used, then the motor can provide sufficient force for automatic operation, but the force required to move the sash manually exceeds the standard limit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention identifies and applies the optimal detent torque parameter range (0-1000 mNm, preferably 10-500 mNm, most preferably 20-250 mNm) that balances automated operation capability with manual operability. This parameter selection ensures the motor provides sufficient power for automatic sash movement while maintaining detent torque low enough to allow manual operation within the 30N force limit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic system where the motor can operate in two modes: automated mode where the motor provides full power for sash movement, and manual mode where the low detent torque allows user-operated movement. The system adapts its behavior based on whether manual or automated operation is intended, eliminating the need for clutch engagement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system in connection with a sash (10) of a fume cupboard (2), the system including a sash (10) adapted to be vertically movable, which sash (10) is supported by two or more suspension elements (12) passing through pulleys (16) on one or more counterweights (14), and the system comprising a motor (20), which motor (20) is connected to at least two suspension elements (12) via a shaft (18), and which sash (10) can be moved both manually and by the motor (20). The motor (20) is connected to at least two suspension members (12) by a fixed gear, and the motor (20) is an electric motor with a detent torque of 0 - 1000 mNm, preferably 10 - 500 mNm, most preferably 20 - 250 mNm. The invention also relates to a method in connection with a sash (10) of a fume cupboard (2).