Gate Drive Bidirectional Radio Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for gates, such as garage doors, lack confirmation of command receipt when operated remotely, leading to uncertainty for users about whether the command has been successfully transmitted to the gate, especially when visual contact is not possible.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bidirectional radio transmission link between the hand-held transmitter and the radio receiver, allowing for immediate acknowledgment signals to be sent back to the user, along with a network of powered radio transmitter/receiver units that forward commands and acknowledgments, ensuring reliable operation even without direct line of sight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hand-held transmitter is used to operate a gate remotely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user cannot confirm command receipt without visual contact with the gate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcommand receipt confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radio receiver sends an acknowledgment signal back to the hand-held transmitter when a command is received. This acknowledgment includes a code that matches the transmitted command, allowing the user to confirm that the gate has received the operation command even without visual contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the traditional unidirectional transmission from transmitter to receiver, the patent establishes a bidirectional communication link where the receiver actively responds to the transmitter with acknowledgment signals, reversing the typical information flow direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a bidirectional radio transmission link is implemented with acknowledgment signals, then the reliability of command transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand transmission confirmationVSAvoidradio transmission system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radio transmitter/receiver units are designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting commands, receiving commands, sending acknowledgment signals, and receiving acknowledgments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each communication direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically generates and transmits acknowledgment signals without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external verification systems. The radio receiver itself provides the confirmation service by sending back the acknowledgment code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If radio signals are forwarded through multiple network nodes to extend transmission range, then the adaptability to different locations is improved, but the loss of time for signal transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission range coverageVSAvoidsignal forwarding delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The acknowledgment signal is generated and transmitted immediately upon receiving the command signal, without waiting for the gate operation to complete. This preliminary acknowledgment provides immediate feedback to the user about command receipt, separate from the actual gate execution time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 users to confirm command execution immediately, enhancing the ease of use and functionality by providing instant feedback, allowing for seamless operation of gates without waiting, even when out of visual range.

Implementation Method 1

A command sent by the hand-held transmitter in the form of radio signals to operate a door is acknowledged without an additional request by sending an acknowledgment signal in the form of further radio signals via the bidirectional radio transmission path to the hand-held transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2985744B1Multi-arrangement of gate drive systems
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 SOMMER ANTRIEBS & FUNKTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2985744B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2985744B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2985744B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive system (1) for a gate (2) and comprises a drive unit with an electric drive (6). The gate (2) can be moved between a closed position and an open position. A radio receiver associated with the drive unit is designed to receive radio signals (15). The hand-held transmitter (9) and the radio receiver (14a) are part of a bidirectional radio transmission link. A command to operate the gate (2) sent by the hand-held transmitter (9) in the form of radio signals (15) is acknowledged without additional request by sending an acknowledgment signal in the form of further radio signals (15) to the hand-held transmitter (9) via the bidirectional radio transmission link, where it is displayed.