Obstruction Detector Power Control for Garage Door Openers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barrier movement operators, such as garage door openers, consume excessive energy due to the continuous power usage of obstruction detectors during standby periods, reducing battery backup endurance and increasing the risk of damage from undetected obstructions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power control mechanism that supplies power to the obstruction detector only when the motor is moving towards a closed position and suppresses power when the motor is idle or moving towards an open position, using a battery backup power supply and integrating an optical source and sensor for detection, with a processor and operation control unit to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obstruction detector operates continuously during standby, then safety is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction detector operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the obstruction detector only during specific operational phases (closing operation, reversal operation, and a predetermined time period after deactivation) and suppresses power during other periods, implementing periodic action to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining necessary safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power state of the obstruction detector based on operational conditions. The controller grants power during closing operations when obstruction detection is critical, suppresses power during idle periods and opening operations when detection is less critical, and transitions between these states based on motor status and operational phase
2Measurement precision
If the obstruction detector consumes one watt of power, then detection accuracy is maintained, but total standby power consumption increases by one third
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction detector is activated periodically during standby-related operations (closing operation, reversal operation, and predetermined time period after deactivation) rather than continuously during entire standby period, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when activated
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the obstruction detector from continuous operation to intermittent operation based on motor status and operational phase, adjusting when the detector is active to balance detection accuracy with power consumption reduction
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
This approach significantly reduces standby power consumption, extending battery backup endurance from 16 hours to 28 hours and minimizing the risk of damage by ensuring obstruction detection only when necessary, thereby optimizing energy usage and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The obstruction detector may include an optical source and an optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of powering an obstruction detector. Power is provided to an obstruction detector when a motor is executing a first movement and is suppressed to the obstruction detector when the motor is idle and when the motor is executing a second movement. The first movement moves a movable barrier towards a closed position, and the second movement moves the barrier towards an open position.