Mechanical Arm Universal Remote Control for Garage Door Openers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal garage door remote control systems are complex to set up due to the need to select specific brands and coded signals, and they often require additional wiring to the push button, which may not be feasible in all setups, especially when the push button is wireless or does not accept relay signals.
Innovation Solution
A universal remote control system that includes a wireless signal transmitter and a receiver unit with a mechanical arm and microprocessor, which can depress a push button switch without requiring specific brand selection or additional wiring, using a DC motor and feedback sensing to ensure proper engagement of the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal remote control stores many coded signals for multiple garage door opener brands, then it can operate more brands of openers, but the device complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brand-specific coded signal selection process from the remote control system. Instead of storing multiple brand codes in the remote, the system uses a receiver at the garage door opener that can recognize and adapt to different transmitter signals dynamically, eliminating the need for users to select from a database of brand codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver unit is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple garage door opener brands without requiring brand-specific configuration. The microprocessor in the receiver can dynamically adapt to different transmitter types and protocols, making the system universally compatible while maintaining simple setup procedures.
2Reliability
If a receiver unit uses a relay output connected to the push button, then it can actuate the garage door opener, but additional wiring is required which may not be feasible for wireless push buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical relay output mechanism with a mechanical actuation system. A motor-driven mechanical arm physically presses the push button, substituting the electrical relay connection with a direct mechanical action that works with both wired and wireless push buttons, eliminating the need for additional wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical arm acts as an intermediary between the receiver unit and the push button. Instead of directly connecting electrically via relay, the system uses the mechanical arm as a mediator to transfer the actuation command by physically pressing the button, bridging the gap between wireless communication and button activation.
3Ease of operation
If the mechanical arm moves toward the push button for a fixed time or distance, then the setup is simplified, but the precision of switch engagement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as force sensors or position sensors) that provide real-time information to the microprocessor about the mechanical arm's position and the push button's engagement state. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust the arm's movement, ensuring precise button engagement while maintaining simple setup procedures through automated calibration.
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 simplifies setup by allowing operation of garage door openers without brand selection and wiring, ensuring reliable activation of the garage door opener through a wireless and user-adjustable mechanical arm mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that drives a mechanical arm
Implementation Method 2
a receiver unit with a mechanical arm and microprocessor, which can depress a push button switch without requiring specific brand selection or additional wiring, using a DC motor and feedback sensing to ensure proper engagement of the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A universal remote control system is disclosed. The universal remote control includes a receiver that has a wireless signal receiver unit, an electric motor that drives a mechanical arm and a microprocessor. When the receiver receives a control signal from a wireless signal transmitter, the microprocessor will energize the motor which drives the mechanical arm toward a pushbutton switch of a controlled device, such as a garage door opener, and depresses the push button, therefore activating the garage door opener. A feedback signal, for example, from the mechanical arm or the motor, may be provided to the microprocessor to inform the microprocessor when the pushbutton switch is sufficiently depressed and is in an engaged state. When the switch is in the engaged state, the motor will reverse its direction, causing the mechanical arm to raise and move back to a standby position.