PWM AC Blind Drive With Hysteresis Brake for Quiet Speed Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shading systems face issues with fixed speed operation due to induction motors, inefficiency, noise generation from phase-angle control, and dependency on mains frequency, leading to user discomfort and operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

Employing an AC motor controlled by pulse-width modulation (PWM) with a braking unit, specifically a magnetic hysteresis brake, to achieve high-frequency control, reduce noise, and optimize energy use, allowing independent operation from mains voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If phase-angle control is used to control the electric drive, then speed adjustment is possible, but noise is generated and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustmentVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces phase-angle control with pulse-width modulation (PWM) technology. PWM controls the electric drive by switching the power supply on and off at high frequency, rather than using phase-angle control which causes audible humming noise. This substitution eliminates the noise problem while maintaining speed adjustment capability, as PWM operates at frequencies above the human audible range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from phase-angle control to pulse-width modulation with switching frequencies in the kHz range (15-20 kHz). This parameter change moves the operating frequency above the human audible range, eliminating the annoying humming noise while enabling precise speed control through duty cycle adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If phase-angle control is used to control the electric drive, then speed adjustment is possible, but efficiency is reduced and heating increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustmentVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces phase-angle control with pulse-width modulation (PWM) technology. PWM controls the electric drive by switching the power supply on and off at high frequency, rather than using phase-angle control which causes audible humming noise. This substitution eliminates the noise problem while maintaining speed adjustment capability, as PWM operates at frequencies above the human audible range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from phase-angle control to pulse-width modulation with switching frequencies in the kHz range (15-20 kHz). This parameter change moves the operating frequency above the human audible range, eliminating the annoying humming noise while enabling precise speed control through duty cycle adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If induction motors are used, then the electric drive is simple, but speed is fixed and dependent on mains frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric drive simplicityVSAvoidspeed variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pulse-width modulation to the induction motor control, making the speed dynamic rather than fixed. By varying the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the effective voltage and frequency supplied to the motor can be adjusted, enabling continuous speed variation while maintaining the simple induction motor structure. The braking unit also provides dynamic speed control during downward movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from phase-angle control to pulse-width modulation with switching frequencies in the kHz range (15-20 kHz). This parameter change moves the operating frequency above the human audible range, eliminating the annoying humming noise while enabling precise speed control through duty cycle adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If multiple shading systems are used, then coverage is improved, but synchronous operation is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshading coverageVSAvoidsynchronous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs PWM control with high-frequency switching (15-20 kHz) that enables precise timing control of multiple shading systems. The high-frequency operation allows for synchronized operation of multiple blinds by providing precise control signals to each system, ensuring they operate in unison when controlled from a central location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 smooth, quiet, and energy-efficient operation of shading systems with precise control, eliminating audible noise and heat generation, and ensuring synchronized operation across multiple blinds.

Implementation Method 1

The brake unit (6) is designed in the form of a magnetic hysteresis brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic hysteresis: Magnetic Hysteresis

Implementation Method 2

A control unit (7) is provided which controls the AC motor (5) with pulse-width modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3783189B1Shading device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ELERO GMBH
  • EP3783189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783189B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3783189B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(c)

AI summary

The invention relates to a shading system (1) with a blind (2) which can be moved upwards or downwards by means of an electric drive. The electric drive is designed as an AC motor (5). A control unit (7) is provided, which controls the AC motor (5) with pulse-width modulation. A brake unit (6) is associated with the AC motor (5).