PoE Motorized Roller Shade Control for Synchronized Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized window shades require building electrical power wiring or outlets, leading to complex installations and operations, especially when synchronizing multiple shades. Additionally, separate lighting systems increase operational complexity and make coordination between shade and lighting control difficult.
Innovation Solution
A motorized roller shade system that connects to a power over Ethernet (POE) network, utilizing a rechargeable battery powered by POE, with onboard logic and control circuitry for autonomous operation, synchronization, and integrated lighting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional motorized shades use building wiring for power, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The base unit transmits power wirelessly to the shade units, eliminating the need for building wiring modifications and surface-mounted wires, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple shades are synchronized using known systems, then coordinated operation is achieved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service synchronization mechanism where the base unit automatically coordinates multiple shade units without requiring complex inter-shade communication. The base unit receives a single control signal and independently manages the synchronization of all connected shades, eliminating the need for daisy-chained communication or centralized real-time monitoring, thus reducing control system complexity while maintaining synchronized operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate lighting control system is used, then lighting functionality is provided, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting control functionality with the existing shade control system. The same base unit that controls shade movement also controls the lighting elements, allowing both functions to be operated through a single interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate lighting control systems and reduces operational complexity while maintaining full lighting functionality.
Data Source
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 circuitry allows controlled lighting of the shade.