Roller Shutter Speed Control via Independent Braking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC actuating systems for roller shutters lack speed control during upward and downward movements, resulting in uneven speeds and potential safety hazards due to uncontrolled rapid descent, and are costly and prone to malfunctions when equipped with converters for uniform speed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a braking device on the shaft or kinematic chain to regulate both upward and downward speeds, allowing the braking function to be active during movement and at rest, using a spring-loaded friction disk system with adjustable braking elements to control the roller shutter's speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a converter stage is used to control motor speed, then uniform movement speed is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed control function from the motor itself and implements it separately through a braking device acting on the roller shutter shaft. This separates the driving function (motor) from the speed control function (braking device), avoiding the need for a complex converter stage while achieving uniform downward speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a braking device as an intermediary element between the motor and the roller shutter. This braking device, comprising friction elements and a pressure-generating mechanism, mediates the speed control by applying controlled friction to the shaft, thereby uniformizing the downward movement without requiring complex electronic control.
2Ease of manufacture
If direct power application to motor terminals is used, then system cost is reduced, but speed control during downward movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed control function from the motor control circuitry and implements it mechanically through a braking device. This allows direct power application to the motor while separately controlling downward speed through friction-based braking, maintaining simplicity while adding speed control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device utilizes the gravitational force acting on the roller shutter itself to generate the braking effect. The weight of the shutter provides the normal force for friction braking, eliminating the need for additional power consumption or complex active control systems during downward movement.
3Device complexity
If no braking device is used, then system complexity is minimized, but rapid uncontrolled descent and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful gravitational force causing uncontrolled rapid descent into a beneficial element for the braking mechanism. The weight of the roller shutter provides the normal force necessary for friction braking, transforming the source of the problem into the mechanism's operating principle, thereby controlling speed while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device serves as an intermediary safety mechanism between the motor and the roller shutter. It introduces controlled friction through pressure-generating elements that act on the shaft, mediating the uncontrolled gravitational descent into a controlled, uniform downward movement, thereby eliminating impact risks.
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
Achieves controlled and uniform movement of roller shutters at reduced costs and complexity, enhancing safety by managing speed differences and reducing the risk of impact, while maintaining the advantages of low-voltage operation and simplified wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a braking device on the shaft (either on an associated kinematic chain or on the roller shutter itself which is for example radio controlled) which moves the roller shutter, so as to limit and/or regulate the downward speed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method for moving a roller shutter at a controlled speed along an upward or downward path and associated actuating system, comprising the steps of setting in motion the roller shutter by means of motor means; and braking the roller shutter using braking means independent of the action of the motor means, so as to maintain a desired speed of the roller shutter along the path.