Motorized Roller Shade Control via PoE Battery Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized window shades require complex wiring schemes and central control systems for synchronized operation, which are aesthetically unappealing, unreliable, and difficult to maintain, especially when used in large installations without access to building electrical power wiring or outlets.
Innovation Solution
A motorized roller shade system powered by a rechargeable battery via a power-over-Ethernet network, with onboard logic and control circuitry for autonomous operation, synchronization, and integrated lighting, allowing for coordinated movement and lighting control without the need for external power sources or complex wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional motorized shades use existing building wiring for power, then AC power can be provided to the shade, but the installation requires hard-wired connections or wall plug-ins that detract from aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless power transmission system using radio frequency energy. The power receiver in the shade captures RF energy from a transmitter to power the motor, eliminating the need for hard-wired connections or extension cords while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transmission system between the power source and the shade. The RF transmitter and power receiver act as intermediaries to transfer energy without physical wire connections, resolving the contradiction between power delivery and aesthetic/wiring complexity requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple motorized shades are synchronized using known systems, then coordinated operation is achieved, but complex wiring schemes and centralized control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each shade to autonomously determine its position using sensors and calculate its own synchronization timing based on group commands and measured travel times. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems while achieving synchronized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each shade reports its position and travel time to the control system, which uses this information to calculate and adjust synchronization timing. This feedback loop enables coordinated operation without requiring overly complex control architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If daisy-chaining power wires is used between shades, then power can be distributed to multiple shades, but surface mounting of wires disturbs aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical wire-based power distribution system with a wireless RF power transmission system. This substitution eliminates visible wires and surface mounting while maintaining the ability to distribute power to multiple shades, thus preserving aesthetic appearance.
4Ease of operation
If centralized control systems are used for shade synchronization, then coordinated operation is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by distributing intelligence to individual shades through autonomous positioning and timing calculation capabilities. Each shade operates semi-independently, using local sensors and calculations to maintain synchronization, which eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized control while preserving coordinated operation.
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 simple, reliable, and synchronized operation of multiple motorized roller shades with integrated lighting, eliminating the need for building power wiring and reducing installation and maintenance complexity, while providing aesthetic and functional benefits.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable battery positioned in the roller tube provides power to the motor and to logic and control circuitry
Implementation Method 2
The logic and control circuitry charges the battery though power derived from the power over Ethernet network
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorized roller shade configured to connect to a power over Ethernet network includes a motor for rotating the shade to roll and unroll shade material to and from a roller tube to raise and lower the shade. A rechargeable battery positioned in the roller tube provides power to the motor and to logic and control circuitry also positioned within the roller tube. The logic and control circuitry charges the battery though power derived from the power over Ethernet network, and controls the operation of the motor to achieve a desired target velocity. Synchronized operation of multiple motorized roller shades is achieved though autonomous operation of the shades by their corresponding logic and control circuitry. In exemplary embodiments, a lighting element controlled by the logic and control circuity allows controlled lighting of the shade.