Removable Power Supply for Motorized Shutter Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual and motorized shutter assemblies face issues with universal joint failure due to high stress and cumbersome motor units, and require permanent electrical connections for power, making them tiring to operate and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A removable power supply system with a battery and flexible conductor that provides power to a motorized shutter assembly, allowing for easy operation and positioning of shutter curtains without the need for a permanent electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motor assembly unit housing both motor and battery is used to rotate the crank pole, then the shutter curtain can be raised and lowered automatically, but the unit becomes heavy and cumbersome requiring user support and balancing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic shutter operationVSAvoidmotor assembly unit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into a stationary base containing the battery and a handheld remote control unit. The base remains fixed while the remote control transmits signals wirelessly to operate the motor, eliminating the need for users to support heavy battery-powered motor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication intermediary (radio frequency or infrared signal) mediates between the handheld remote control and the motor assembly, allowing automatic operation without direct physical connection or heavy integrated power units at the shutter location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a permanent electrical connection is used to power the motor, then continuous power supply is available, but installation complexity increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor assembly is designed to accept multiple power source options including battery packs and external power adapters, making the system universally compatible with different power configurations without requiring permanent hardwired electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If a high gear ratio is used between driving gear and driven gear, then torque is increased, but the operator must rotate the crank pole numerous times making operation tiring and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetorqueVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with an automated motor-driven system that can be controlled remotely. The motor provides the necessary torque electronically, eliminating the need for manual crank rotation regardless of gear ratio, thereby reducing operation time and physical effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of moving object

If the motor assembly is integrated into the shutter housing, then space is saved, but the motor unit becomes heavy and increases the likelihood of universal joint failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor assembly volumeVSAvoiduniversal joint reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor assembly is segmented from the main shutter housing into a separate, remotely controllable unit. This separation reduces the weight and complexity at the shutter location, minimizing stress on universal joints and improving reliability while the motor can be positioned optimally for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces the strain on universal joints, eliminates the need for heavy motor units, and allows for efficient and error-free operation of shutter curtains, enhancing user convenience and reducing the likelihood of hardware damage.

Implementation Method 1

The removable power supply may include a base housing a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS7880409B2Removable power supply for a motorized shutter assembly

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 QUALITAS MFG INC

AI summary

A removable power supply is provided for use with a motor of a shutter assembly. The removable power supply may include a base housing a battery, a shaft, and a flexible conductor coupled between the base and the shaft. The end of the shaft opposite of the flexible conductor has an electrical interface that is configured to supply power to the motor. The electrical interface is configured for removable coupling to the motor. The shaft may comprise a plurality of telescoping sections, or may be a unitary member. The telescoping sections may be a series of interlocking hallow tubes. The removable power supply may supply power to the motor, thereby allowing a shutter curtain of the assembly to be raised or lowered. Once the shutter curtain is at the desired position, the removable power supply may be removed from the shutter assembly.