Controller for Light Protection Device Using Processor Clock Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllers for light protection devices, such as blinds and roller shutters, require specialized electronic components to measure travel time and determine end positions, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A controller with a processor that initiates a calibration mode, measures travel time based on a processor clock, and relies on user confirmation to determine end positions, thereby eliminating the need for additional electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized electronic components are used to measure travel time and determine end positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetravel time measurementVSAvoidelectronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the travel time measurement function from specialized electronic components and relocates it to the processor's clock system. The processor's existing clock pulses are utilized to measure travel time, eliminating the need for separate timing components. This extraction reduces device complexity while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor's clock system, originally designed for general timing functions, is made multi-functional by using it for travel time measurement during calibration. This universal approach allows the same hardware component to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall device architecture.

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

2Measurement precision

If specialized electronic components are used to determine end positions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend position detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive specialized end position detection components with a user confirmation mechanism. During calibration, the user manually confirms when the light protection device reaches the end position, providing sufficient precision without requiring costly electronic sensors or detectors. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If user confirmation is used to determine end positions, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic componentsVSAvoidcalibration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing travel time measurement during an initial calibration run before normal operation begins. The processor records the travel time during this pre-calibration phase and stores it for use during subsequent normal operation. This preliminary measurement eliminates the need for continuous user confirmation during regular use, improving ease of operation while maintaining reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3907370B1Controller for a control device for driving a light protection device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3907370B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

A controller for a control unit for controlling a light shield is described. The controller is configured, in a calibration mode, to initiate the transition of the light shield from a first position to a second position and to register confirmation by a user that the second position has been reached.