Hybrid Battery Power Supply for Motorized Window Treatments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized window treatments face challenges in efficiently managing power supply, particularly when using batteries, as they often require manual replacement and lack efficient energy management systems.
Innovation Solution
A motor drive unit with dual power sources (batteries and energy storage elements) and switching circuits controlled by a control circuit to manage power distribution, ensuring seamless operation and extended functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single battery power source is used in motorized window treatments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the duration of action and reliability deteriorate due to frequent battery replacement and insufficient energy capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct battery types: a first battery (e.g., alkaline) for long-term energy storage and a second battery (e.g., rechargeable) for peak power delivery. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for its specific function, extending overall system duration without requiring a single overly complex power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different battery chemistries into a single hybrid power supply system. The first battery provides sustained energy over months or years, while the second battery supplies high current during motor operation, combining their advantages to achieve both extended duration and reduced complexity compared to single-battery solutions.
2Speed
If high power is delivered to the motor for rapid covering material movement, then the speed improves, but the use of energy by the power source increases rapidly, reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between power sources based on operational requirements. During high-speed motor operation, the second rechargeable battery provides peak power. During idle periods or low-power operations, the first battery supplies energy and charges the second battery, optimizing energy usage across different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging cycles where the first battery charges the second battery during idle periods, then the second battery discharges during motor operation. This periodic energy transfer allows high-speed operation when needed while recovering energy during idle times, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If a hybrid power supply system with switching circuits is implemented, then the reliability and duration of action improve, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to automatic switching control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically monitors battery voltages and performs switching operations without user intervention. The system self-manages the complex tasks of determining when to switch between power sources, when to charge the second battery, and how to balance energy distribution, maintaining simplicity for the user while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the voltage and charge state of both batteries and uses this feedback to automatically adjust switching decisions. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable power supply by preventing voltage drops and ensuring the appropriate battery is active based on real-time system conditions, without requiring user knowledge or intervention.
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
The system provides reliable and efficient power management, allowing for extended operation without frequent battery replacements and reducing energy waste, enhancing user convenience and system longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more first batteries may comprise a first battery chemistry, and the energy storage element may comprise a second battery chemistry
Implementation Method 2
a bus capacitor configured to store a bus voltage
Implementation Method 3
The first switching circuit comprises a field-effect transistor (FET), or wherein the second switching circuit comprises a FET
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The motorized window treatment may include a DC power source for charging an energy storage element, such as a supercapacitor and/or rechargeable battery. The energy storage element may be configured to provide power for the operation of a motor used to adjust the position of the covering material. The energy storage element may discharge when providing power to the motor and may charge such that the current it draws from a battery is at a desired average current level that extends the lifetime of the battery.