Variable Velocity Roller Shade Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized roller shades experience aesthetically unpleasing 'jerky' motion due to abrupt starting and stopping, often overshooting or undershooting selected positions, and synchronizing multiple shades at varying lengths to reach a common position simultaneously is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system using optical sensors and motor assemblies with a master controller to measure and control the position of roller shades, employing variable linear velocity profiles and PID loops to ensure smooth movement and synchronized arrival at a common position, utilizing high-speed digital cameras or CMOS detectors for precise position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motorized drive system moves the shade at a constant velocity with abrupt starting and stopping, then the positioning simplicity is improved, but the motion smoothness deteriorates causing aesthetically unpleasing jerky motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant velocity to variable velocity control. The motorized drive system dynamically adjusts the linear velocity of the shade during movement, accelerating smoothly from rest and decelerating before reaching the selected position. This dynamic velocity adjustment eliminates abrupt starts and stops while maintaining simple positioning control through automated velocity profiling.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the shade is moved at constant velocity with abrupt stopping, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates causing overshooting or undershooting the selected position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating deceleration before the shade reaches the selected position. The motorized drive system calculates the required deceleration distance and begins reducing velocity in advance, allowing the shade to come to a smooth stop precisely at the target position. This preliminary deceleration action prevents overshooting while maintaining energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary continuous motion.
3Device complexity
If multiple roller shades are moved at the same constant velocity, then the control complexity is reduced, but the synchronization accuracy deteriorates preventing simultaneous arrival at the common position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning individualized velocity profiles to each roller shade based on its specific characteristics. The master controller determines the length and starting position of each shade, then configures unique acceleration and deceleration parameters for each motorized drive system. This localized velocity optimization ensures that shades of different lengths and positions arrive simultaneously at the common position while maintaining relatively simple overall control architecture.
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
Ensures smooth, non-abrupt movement of roller shades to precise positions without overshooting or undershooting, and synchronizes multiple shades to arrive at a common position simultaneously, enhancing aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a method for synchronizing movement of a plurality of roller shades each disposed at a first position to a common second position. The method includes obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies, and moving each of the plurality of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the respective obtained position information so that each of the plurality of roller shades arrives at the common second position at the same time.