Motorized Retractable Screen System with Segmented Line Winder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motorized systems for closing and solar protection in building openings are cumbersome due to integrated motors and rack-and-pinion drives, reducing open area and requiring complete replacement of non-motorized installations, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A compact motorized system comprising a retractable screen device with a separate motorization device, using a traction mechanism with a line winder and elastic return member, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, and enabling motorization of pre-existing screens without significant alteration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the motor is integrated into the load bar with a rack and pinion drive, then the screen can be motorized, but the installation becomes bulky and reduces the open area of the building opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorization of screenVSAvoidopen area of building opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The motorization device is segmented from the screen device, with the motor and line winder positioned separately from the screen's moving components. This allows the motorization system to be distributed along the building opening rather than concentrated at one location, reducing obstruction of the open area while maintaining full motorization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motorization device is positioned in a different spatial arrangement than conventional systems. Instead of integrating the motor into the load bar, the motor is placed at a location where its output shaft aligns with the deployment axis, and the line winder is positioned to wind the traction line along the deployment axis. This dimensional repositioning reduces the footprint obstructing the building opening.

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

2Extent of automation

If an existing non-motorized closing system is motorized by replacing it with a motorized system, then automation is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and requires complete dismantlement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorization of existing systemVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorization device is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently installed on the building opening frame. This segmentation allows the motorization system to be added without dismantling the existing screen device, simplifying the motorization process from a complete replacement operation to a modular addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motorization device is designed to be universally applicable to existing retractable screen devices. By positioning the motor and line winder separately and using a traction line that connects to the screen's movable end, the system can be adapted to various existing screen configurations without requiring custom integration or complete system replacement.

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

3Extent of automation

If the motor is integrated into the load bar, then direct drive is achieved, but the load bar must be redesigned and thickens the installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect motor driveVSAvoidthickness of load bar
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is extracted from the load bar and repositioned as a separate component. This extraction eliminates the need to integrate the motor into the load bar structure, allowing the load bar to maintain its original thin profile while the motor is positioned separately with its output shaft aligned to drive the line winder through the deployment axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a discreet and efficient means to motorize building openings, maintaining the bulk of the screen device similar to non-motorized systems, facilitating easy maintenance and renovation, while allowing for seamless integration with existing retractable screens, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing resource consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic return element, which exerts a mechanical elastic return action on the retractable screen, tending to return the retractable screen to the retracted configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3643871A1Motorised system for an opening of a building and method for motorising a retractable screen device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3643871A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643871A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643871A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motorized closing, blackout or sun protection system, comprising a retractable screen device (20), including a base (21), a retractable screen (22), which includes a movable end (23) movable in translation to move the retractable screen (22) between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, and an elastic return member (26), which tends to return the retractable screen (22) to the retracted configuration.According to the invention, in order to be compact while offering a motorization solution, the motorized system includes a motorization device (50) comprising a traction mechanism (55), which includes a traction line (56) attached to the movable end (23), and a line winder (59), around which a windable portion (58) of the traction line is wound and a motor (70), which drives the line winder (59) to move the retractable screen (22) to the deployed configuration and to the retracted configuration.