Low-Voltage Power Line Scheduling for Motorized Window Shades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized window shades require class 1 electrical wiring, which is expensive and requires a licensed electrician, while low voltage power systems have power supply limits that restrict the number and type of devices that can be powered.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system using a single low voltage supply line with energy storage devices linked to each consuming device, charged according to a schedule to ensure the line never exceeds its maximum power rating, allowing installation without a licensed electrician and enabling simultaneous operation of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If class 1 electrical wiring is used to power motorized window shades, then the devices can be powered reliably, but the installation cost increases and requires a licensed electrician
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage device (battery) that decouples the power consumption from real-time power delivery. The battery acts as a buffer between the low voltage power supply line and the motorized window shade, allowing the system to use cheaper, easier-to-install low voltage wiring while maintaining reliable operation through pre-stored energy.
2Ease of manufacture
If low voltage power systems are used to power devices, then installation is simpler and does not require a licensed electrician, but the power supply limits severely restrict the number and type of devices that can be powered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging energy storage devices in advance during periods when power demand is low. The charging schedule pre-loads batteries with energy before peak demand periods, enabling the low voltage line to support multiple high-power devices without exceeding its power rating at any moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic charging cycles where energy storage devices are charged at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the low voltage power line to replenish energy in batches, supporting multiple devices over time while staying within power limits during each charging interval.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple energy storage devices are charged simultaneously from a single low voltage supply line, then all devices can be powered, but the power rating of the supply line is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process by dividing multiple energy storage devices into separate charging groups or time slots. Instead of charging all devices simultaneously, the system divides the charging load across different time periods, ensuring that the power drawn at any moment does not exceed the supply line's rating while still providing power to all devices over the complete cycle.
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 power to multiple devices without fire risk, meets safety standards, and allows for cost-effective installation and operation of motorized window shades and other low voltage devices.
Implementation Method 1
An energy storage device, such as a battery, is linked to each of the power consuming devices
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system supplies power to a plurality of power consuming devices via a single, low voltage supply line that has a maximum power rating. An energy storage device is linked to each of the power consuming devices, and the associated energy storage device is the exclusive source of power to the power consuming device. The energy storage devices are charged in accordance with a schedule so that all of the energy storage devices in a branch circuit are kept sufficiently charged to power their associated power consuming devices without the low voltage supply line ever exceeding its maximum power rating.