Moveable Furniture Control System with Dynamic Load Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moveable furniture systems lack safety features, energy efficiency, and modular power distribution, making them unsuitable for residential and office environments, where they often collide with humans and objects and require user-friendly controls, and struggle with varying floor conditions and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a force mapping module for safe operation, modular power distribution, and user-friendly controls that adapt to different environments by generating environment-specific profiles for movement and power usage, allowing independent movement of multiple architectural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional moving wall systems are used with independent cable carriers for each element, then power distribution is achieved, but system complexity and spatial requirements increase linearly with the number of moving elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable carriers into a single shared cable carrier system that serves multiple moving elements simultaneously. Instead of having separate cable carriers for each moving wall panel or furniture element, a single cable carrier runs along the track and provides power to multiple elements through integrated connections, reducing overall system complexity and spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable carrier is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple moving elements universally. A single cable carrier system can power and control different types of moving elements (walls, furniture, partitions) along its path, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for element-specific infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motor-operated moving furniture systems are implemented in residential and office environments, then functionality is improved, but safety hazards increase due to potential collisions with humans and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the operational environment during an initial run, creating a profile of the track geometry, friction characteristics, and safe operating parameters before normal operation begins. This preliminary action allows the control system to anticipate potential collision zones and adjust operation accordingly during subsequent movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors operational parameters such as current draw, motor torque, and position during movement, comparing real-time data against the pre-established profile. When deviations indicating potential collisions are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust speed, stop movement, or reverse direction, preventing harmful collisions with humans or objects.
3Ease of operation
If a static load profile is used for movement control, then system operation is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to varying floor conditions such as inclines, carpets, and different surface friction
Solution Approach 1:
The load profile transitions from a static, pre-programmed set of parameters to a dynamic profile that is established during the system's first operational run. The system dynamically maps the actual track conditions including friction variations, inclines, and surface characteristics, creating an adaptive profile that adjusts to the specific installation environment rather than relying on generic assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as motor torque, speed, and current based on the mapped profile of actual environmental conditions. Instead of using fixed parameters, the control system adjusts parameters dynamically according to the measured friction, incline, and load characteristics at different positions along the track, enabling adaptation to varying floor conditions.
4Productivity
If conventional industrial motor-operated furniture systems are used, then movement capability is achieved, but energy consumption is high and not suitable for non-industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes energy consumption by dynamically adjusting motor operational parameters based on the mapped profile. The control system varies voltage, current, and torque delivery according to the actual load conditions and track characteristics, delivering only the necessary energy for each movement phase rather than using constant high-power industrial settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or pulsed motor activation rather than continuous operation, coordinating movement with the mapped profile to apply power only when and where needed. The motor operates in controlled intervals based on position and load requirements, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous industrial-grade operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved systems and methods for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The system can include improved features implemented throughout various elements, including hardware elements, controller elements, and/or software elements. As one example, the system can feature the ability to map a characteristic load profile across a particular length of actuation and, if during operation a measured load exceeds the profile, adjust (e.g., stop) the system's motion. The system can also advantageously map its current draw to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the system can include a positioning system that enables it to automatically determine its position upon start up and during operation. In some implementations, the system includes multiple moveable elements (e.g., furniture items). In some cases, power is distributed to the moveable element(s) using a moveable power distribution module. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.