Pergola Slat Actuation with Single-Wire Motor Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for coordinating and synchronizing the movement of slats in pergolas require laborious installation of separate electronic boards and wiring, are prone to interference, and lack efficient remote control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A handling apparatus with a first device providing rotary motion and a second device providing linear motion, both equipped with internal control units and a wireless receiver, communicates via a single data transmission wire for synchronized operation, allowing easy installation and remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate electronic boards and wiring are used to coordinate motors, then motor coordination capability is improved, but installation complexity and wiring labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor coordinationVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electronic board with the motor housing into a single integrated unit. The electronic board is mounted directly on the housing of each motor, eliminating the need for separate electronic boards and reducing wiring complexity while maintaining motor coordination capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing serves multiple functions: it protects the motor, mounts the electronic board, and provides a structure for cable management. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies installation.

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

2Reliability

If external electronic boards are used for motor control, then coordination capability is improved, but susceptibility to external interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor coordinationVSAvoidexternal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the electronic board with the motor housing, the control signals are transmitted through shorter, more direct paths within the same housing structure, reducing exposure to external electromagnetic interference and improving signal reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing acts as a protective intermediary structure that shields the electronic board and wiring from external interference while still allowing necessary signal transmission between the motor and electronic board through defined interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate control units for translation and rotation motors are used, then independent control capability is improved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent controlVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each motor unit integrates its own control unit within the same housing, allowing independent control of translation and rotation motors while simplifying installation. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate control units and reduces on-site configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4374023B1Handling apparatus for moving a covering and/or closing element of a covering and/or closing installation
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 TELECO AUTOMATION
  • EP4374023B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4374023B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4374023B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4a

AI summary

Handling apparatus (60) for a covering and/or closing installation (1), comprising a first device (15) which comprises a first motor (7) and a first control unit (31), comprising and/or being associated with a wireless receiver (36) configured to receive from the external command and control signals, said first device (15) being configured to output a rotary motion; at least a second device (4) which has no wireless receiver and which comprises a second motor (51) and a second control unit (53), said second device (4) being configured to provide movement linear output or rotary motion output from said second device (4); a data transmission wire (40) which is connected to said first control unit (31) and to said second control unit (53) to thus allow bidirectional communication between said first control unit (31) and said second control unit (53).