Manual switch-type driving apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices for rolling shutter doors and windows are inconvenient to operate manually during power outages or signal failures, requiring users to climb to access the external switch, which is mounted on the top of the windows or doors.

Innovation Solution

A manual switching type drive device with an actuator that penetrates through the travel unit and drops down for hand pull, allowing users to operate the device from below by pulling a pull rope connected to a slide piece that interacts with a trigger switch to control the circuit, using a voltage sensor and electrical control board to manage the device's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the switch is mounted on the top of the windows or doors together with the drive device, then the switch can be accessed for emergency control, but users need to climb up to use it, bringing much inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manual operationVSAvoidexposed travel unit thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator extends the operation interface from the horizontal plane (top of window/door) to the vertical dimension (hanging below), allowing users to operate the device from a standing position by pulling downward, eliminating the need to climb

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the user's pulling force through the travel unit to activate the emergency release function, enabling remote operation without direct access to the top-mounted switch

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator penetrates through the travel unit and drops down for hand pull, then users can operate the device from below without climbing, but the exposed travel unit thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manual operationVSAvoidexposed travel unit thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is nested within the travel unit structure, with only the necessary portion extending outward for operation. The pull rope is routed through guides and channels within the travel unit, minimizing the exposed profile while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the slide piece is provided with a groove for avoiding the trigger switch and an arc-shaped guide surface, then the triggering action is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering actionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arc-shaped guide surface on the slide piece provides a curved triggering path that naturally guides the actuator into proper engagement with the trigger switch, ensuring reliable activation while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4660412A1Manual switch-type driving apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 NINGBO SUNFREE MOTOR TECH CO LTD
  • EP4660412A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660412A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4660412A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A manual switching type drive device is provided which comprises an outer tube, and a speed reducer, a motor core, an electrical control board, a power source and a travel unit are provided in the outer tube; the electrical control board is fixed through a fixing bracket inside the outer tube; the electrical control board is provided with a voltage sensor for controlling the stop and start of the drive device; the electrical control board is further provided with a trigger switch; the fixing bracket is provided with a slide piece which can be abutted against or separated from the trigger switch; the slide piece is connected with an actuator capable of driving the slide piece to abut against or separate from the trigger switch; an end of the actuator penetrates through the travel unit and naturally drops down for hand pull for a more convenient operating, and a user can conveniently stand below a window or door, pulling it by hand without climbing.