Motorized Roller Canvas Access Through Automatic Replacement Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of replacing a canvas in a motorized roll-up element installation is complex and often requires professional assistance due to the need to deprogram the low position or dismantle the installation to access the canvas for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A method and installation that allow the roll-up element to be positioned in a unique 'replacement position' automatically, enabling easy canvas replacement without disassembly or reprogramming, using an electronic control unit to determine and adjust the position based on torque or position parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the canvas is wound at least one dead turn around the winding tube to leave the winding tube uncovered, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the complexity of canvas replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcanvas replacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit stores a replacement position that is predetermined to be beyond the low position, allowing the canvas to be automatically positioned for replacement without requiring manual deprogramming or dismantling. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the replacement process while maintaining the aesthetic dead turns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the low position is programmed as the end position to prevent movements beyond it, then the operational safety is improved, but the ease of canvas replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidcanvas replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the contradiction between safety and replacement ease. It maintains the programmed low position limit for normal operation while providing a special replacement position beyond it, accessible through a specific command sequence. This allows safe operation during use while enabling easy replacement when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the installer must deprogram the low position to access the canvas for replacement, then the accessibility of the canvas is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanvas accessibilityVSAvoidreprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service for canvas replacement by automatically positioning the canvas at the predetermined replacement position beyond the low position. The electronic control unit handles the positioning logic internally, allowing users to access the canvas for replacement without needing to deprogram or reprogram the system, making the process simple and self-service oriented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the canvas must be completely unrolled to access the attachment area, then the accessibility of the attachment area is improved, but the time required for replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment area accessibilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit automatically positions the canvas at the predetermined replacement position that is beyond the low position, where the canvas is completely unrolled and the attachment area is naturally exposed. This preliminary automatic positioning eliminates the need for manual complete unrolling operations, significantly reducing the time required for canvas replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables easy and user-friendly canvas replacement by automating the positioning of the roll-up element to a suitable replacement position, eliminating the need for professional intervention.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator for operating the windable element, comprising an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

analyzing the variations of at least one of the parameters when the electric motor is driven in rotation in its first direction of rotation; determining, from said analysis, a minimum value of the analyzed parameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP4367357B1Method for adjusting a motorised roller system and motorised roller system using said method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4367357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4367357B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP4367357B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a system having a motorised windable element, comprising: • - a windable element; • - a winding tube (5) onto which said windable element can be wound; • - an actuator for operating the windable element which is movable in a first direction of rotation for unwinding the windable element and in a second direction of rotation for winding the windable element; and • - an electronic control unit comprising a means for tracking the position of the windable element, said windable element being configured to reach a high position and a low position (P2). The method according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises a step of tracking a replacement position (P3) of the windable element, in which the windable element is completely unwound from the winding tube (5).