Modular Control Units for Pergola Heating Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering apparatuses for outdoor settings, such as pergolas and verandas, face high electrical power consumption due to numerous electrical heating elements, making them impractical for installations with limited electrical power supplies, and they have complex wiring and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A covering apparatus with a simplified wiring system and control units that generate power supply signals with alternating intervals of higher and lower power absorption, distributed across multiple control units to reduce overall power consumption, and a modular design for easy installation and reduced material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous electrical heating elements are installed in each oscillating blade to ensure complete snow and ice melting coverage, then the heating effectiveness is improved, but the electrical power consumption exceeds 3 kW which is problematic for installations with limited power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple independent control units, each responsible for one or more oscillating blades. Each control unit contains its own heating element and control circuitry, allowing selective operation of individual blades rather than heating all blades simultaneously. This segmentation enables the system to maintain heating effectiveness where needed while reducing overall power consumption by activating only the necessary segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are operated in a sequential or periodic manner rather than continuously simultaneously. The system activates control units in cycles, with each unit operating for a predetermined time period before the next unit activates. This periodic action allows the heating elements to effectively melt snow and ice on active blades while keeping overall power consumption within the limited 230V/16A supply capacity.
2Reliability
If a complex wiring system with multiple shunt connectors along longitudinal frame members is used to power supply heating elements, then complete power distribution to all heating elements is achieved, but the wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into independent control units, each with its own dedicated power supply circuit. Instead of running electrical lines along the entire longitudinal frame member to reach every heating element, each control unit is self-contained with local power distribution. This eliminates the need for complex shunt connector arrangements and reduces wiring complexity while maintaining complete power distribution to all heating elements through modular connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary device between the main power supply and the heating elements. Each control unit receives power through a simplified connection and internally distributes it to its associated heating element(s). This intermediary approach replaces the complex direct wiring system with multiple shunt connectors with a simpler modular architecture where control units act as intermediate power distribution nodes.
3Reliability
If traditional covering apparatus designs with fixed support structures and multiple oscillating blades are used to provide comprehensive weather protection, then the covering effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control units as universal modular components that can be applied to various types of oscillating blades and covering apparatus configurations. Each control unit is designed to be adaptable to different blade sizes, shapes, and mounting arrangements, allowing the same basic control unit design to serve multiple functions across different installation scenarios. This universality reduces overall device complexity by using standardized components rather than custom-designed elements for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow the system to adapt its operation based on actual weather conditions and requirements. The control units can independently adjust their operation, activating heating elements only when and where needed rather than operating rigidly predetermined systems. This dynamic approach simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex mechanical adjustments with flexible electronic control, maintaining comprehensive weather protection while reducing structural complexity.
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 solution significantly reduces electrical power absorption, simplifies the wiring and installation of heating systems, and lowers production costs while maintaining effective snow and ice melting performance.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit operatively connected to the power supply unit in order to drive the latter to deliver electric current to the electrical heating elements in a manner such that these produce heat via Joule effect
Data Source
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AI summary
Covering apparatus (1), which comprises a plurality of covering blades (10) arranged in succession, and heating means (14) comprising multiple electrical heating devices (15), each of which connected to a corresponding covering blade (10). The covering apparatus (1) also comprises multiple control units (17), each of which electrically connected to a corresponding group of electrical heating devices (15), and configured for generating a corresponding power supply signal (SA(t)) adapted to power supply the electrical heating devices (15) and having intervals with lower power absorption and intervals with higher power absorption. The intervals with higher power absorption of the power supply signal (SA(t)) of each of the control units (17) occur in correspondence with the intervals with lower power absorption of the power supply signal (SA(t)) of at least another of the control units (17), in a manner such to limit the overall power (P(t)) absorbed by the heating means (14).