Movable Partition Motor and Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable partition systems lack flexibility in operation, as they often require manual effort for extension and retraction, and may not seamlessly integrate automatic and manual movement capabilities, limiting their versatility in partitioning spaces, noise control, security, and fire safety applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable partition system that includes an elongated drive member with fixed ends along a track, a motor carried by the partition, a clutch mechanism between the motor's drive shaft and a rotatable drive member, and a trolley within a central guide member, allowing for both automatic and manual movement by toggling between engaged and disengaged clutch states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor is used to automatically extend and retract the movable partition, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is carried by the movable partition itself rather than being fixed in the wall, allowing the partition to drive itself along the track. The clutch mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the partition's movement state, enabling self-controlled automatic operation without requiring external control systems or complex wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static motor-fixed configuration to a dynamic motor-carried configuration where the motor moves with the partition. The clutch mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between automatic and manual modes of operation.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is required for extension and retraction, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism provides dynamic operational flexibility, allowing the system to switch between automatic motor-driven operation and manual operation. When the clutch is disengaged, the partition can be manually moved along the track without resistance from the motor, providing ease of manual operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The same motor and clutch mechanism serve dual purposes: providing automatic operation when the clutch is engaged and enabling manual operation when the clutch is disengaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for automatic and manual operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor travels with the movable partition, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The motor carried by the partition drives the partition itself along the track, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms fixed in the wall. This self-service approach reduces the number of fixed mechanical connections and potential failure points, improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and clutch mechanism are segmented as separate movable components carried by the partition rather than being integrated into a fixed wall structure. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and reduces the complexity of connecting the motor to the partition, improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Movable partition systems include an elongated drive member with fixed, offset ends extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, the partition hanging from a trolley disposed at least partially within the track, a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member engaged with the elongated drive member, and a clutch coupled with the motor configured to engage or disengage the rotatable drive member from the motor. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while a clutch mechanism is engaged, and manually moving the partition along the track while the clutch mechanism is disengaged. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a trolley to a rotatable drive member and placing the trolley within a channel of a track.