Modular Window Shade Actuator with Removable Wireless Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-driven window shades require a specifically designed motor controller with wireless capability, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting flexibility in configuration and production.
Innovation Solution
An actuating mechanism for window shades that includes a motor controller with a removable wireless adapter, allowing for both wireless and wired control configurations, enabling cost-effective manufacturing and flexible installation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specifically designed motor controller with wireless capability is used, then wireless control function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control functionality is segmented into a separate wireless adapter module that can be independently connected to the motor controller via connectors. This allows the motor controller to be manufactured without wireless capabilities, reducing its cost, while the wireless adapter can be added only when wireless control is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller is designed with universal connectors that can accept either wired control signals directly or wireless adapter connections. This multi-functionality allows the same motor controller hardware to support both wired and wireless control modes, reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specifically designed motor controller with wireless capability is used, then wireless control function is achieved, but configuration flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system configuration is made dynamic and adjustable. The wireless adapter can be connected or disconnected at different stages (manufacturing or end-user level), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on specific needs without being locked into a fixed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter serves as an intermediary component between the control signal source and the motor controller. This intermediary approach allows flexible configuration where the adapter can be inserted or removed without affecting the core motor controller functionality, enhancing system adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless adapter is removed and wired control is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but wireless control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless functionality is segmented into a removable adapter that can be excluded from the final product if not needed. This allows manufacturers to produce cost-effective wired-only versions by simply omitting the optional wireless adapter component.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter is designed as an optional, potentially disposable component that can be added only when wireless control is required. This approach allows the base system to remain simple and inexpensive, with wireless capability available as an add-on feature.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating mechanism for a window shade includes an electric motor for driving a displacement of a movable rail, a motor controller electrically coupled to the electric motor and having a first and a second connector, a power supply, a wired control interface, and a removable wireless adapter operable to convert a wireless signal outputted by a wireless control interface to an electric signal. The actuating mechanism has a first configuration supporting wireless control, and a second configuration supporting wired-only control, the wireless adapter being respectively connected with the power supply, the wired control interface and the first and second connectors of the motor controller in the first configuration, and the wireless adapter being removed and the power supply and the wired control interface being respectively connected with the first and second connectors of the motor controller in the second configuration.