Modular Window Shade Motor for Custom Upgrades and Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window shade motors lack flexibility in integration and customization, require full replacement for minor updates, and have battery warranties that do not align with motor warranties, leading to inefficiencies and sustainability issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular motor design with releasable connections between components, allowing for separate sourcing and customization of power, communication, and control modules, along with obstacle detection and temperature monitoring, enabling easy upgrades and sustainable recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an integrated motor design is used, then the motor structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but flexibility for customization and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is divided into separate functional modules: motor housing, control module, power module, and communication module. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced. The control module interfaces with the motor housing through standardized connection interfaces, enabling modular assembly while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If the entire motor is replaced for minor updates, then component compatibility is ensured, but waste increases and sustainability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables selective replacement of only the outdated or failed module (e.g., control module or communication module) while retaining functional modules. This extends the lifecycle of the motor system by allowing incremental upgrades without discarding the entire assembly, reducing material waste and supporting sustainability goals.
3Device complexity
If the motor is designed as a fixed SKU with established components, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to market demands decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: motor control, obstacle detection, temperature monitoring, and communication. It interfaces with various building systems (lighting, HVAC, security) through standardized protocols, enabling a single modular design to satisfy diverse market requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Facilitates quick adaptation to changing market demands, reduces waste, and optimizes motor performance through modular components, while ensuring battery longevity and motor integration with building systems.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder may further include a magnetic wheel and an encoder collar. The encoder may analyze shade tube rotations.
Implementation Method 2
The motor may include one or more thermistors, wherein a first thermistor may be configured to monitor a first temperature of the motor and a second thermistor may be configured to monitor a second temperature of a pocket that houses the motor.
Implementation Method 3
The system may include an accelerometer connected to at least one of the motor or a head.
Data Source
AI summary
The system may include a motor releasably connected to a control module and the control module releasably connected to a drive module. The system may further include a joint releasably connecting the control module to the drive module, wherein the joint includes a floating gear. The method may include determining a motor shaft rotation of a motor shaft in a motor, determining a shade tube rotation of a shade tube that moves a window shade over a path, comparing the motor shaft rotation to the shade tube rotation, determining, based on the comparing, that the shade tube rotation is not equal to the motor shaft rotation and determining that an obstacle exists in the path of the window shade. The method may also include determining a change in at least one of current or torque in the motor.