Motor Direction Adaptation for Roller Shutters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter systems with wireless control face challenges in managing motor direction reversal during installation, requiring complex programming and potential errors, especially when the motor is installed on either side of the shutter, leading to increased manufacturing and installation complexities.

Innovation Solution

A control unit with selection means that automatically determines the default direction of rotation of the motor based on its installation side, using interaction with complementary selection means such as electromagnetic or optical sensors, allowing the motor to adapt its rotation direction without manual reprogramming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single universal motor is used that can rotate in both directions, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and inventory is simplified, but the device requires additional selection means and control mechanisms to automatically determine the correct rotation direction based on installation side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting its installation side through selection means and autonomously determining the correct rotation direction without requiring manual programming or complex external control. The system serves itself by adapting to the installation configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the operational parameter (rotation direction) of the motor based on the detected installation side. By detecting whether the motor is installed on the left or right side, the system automatically adjusts the rotation direction parameter to ensure correct operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If separate motors are manufactured for left and right installation sides, then installation simplicity is improved and direction of rotation is predetermined, but manufacturing complexity increases and inventory management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal motor design is created that can function correctly on both the left and right installation sides. The motor incorporates selection means that enable it to adapt to either installation configuration, eliminating the need for separate left-specific and right-specific motor variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor's rotation direction is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the rotation direction based on real-time detection of the installation side, allowing the same motor to operate correctly in either configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual programming is required to reverse motor direction, then adaptability to different installation sides is achieved, but installation time increases and error risk is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation sideVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the installation side and self-configures the motor rotation direction without requiring manual programming by the installer. This self-service capability eliminates time-consuming manual configuration steps and reduces the risk of programming errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual programming operations are replaced by an automated detection and control system. The selection means and control unit automatically determine the correct rotation direction, substituting the need for manual configuration with an automated electronic control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Simplifies manufacturing and installation by eliminating the need for different motor types and complex programming, ensuring correct motor direction adaptation automatically, reducing errors and installation time.

Implementation Method 1

using interaction with complementary selection means such as electromagnetic or optical sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using interaction with complementary selection means such as electromagnetic or optical sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2133505B1Closing device with a shutter or a folding or rolling blind powered by an electric motor
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 BUBENDORFF SA
  • EP2133505B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2133505B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The device (1) has an electrical driving motor (10) implanted on one of opposite lateral sides (16, 17) of a foldable or windable apron or shade (2), where the device is associated to the driving motor. Selection units (11) determine a rotational direction by a defect of the driving motor under an impulse of complementary selection units (12) placed on one of the sides. The selection units are associated to the motor and include a control unit for managing the rotational direction of the motor under an impulse of command units e.g. contactor, and through a power interface.