Autonomous Roller Shutter Control via Local Memory Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter control systems require a connected computer or remote control to function, making them unreliable and energy-intensive, as they cannot operate programmed movements without these components and are hindered by remote control failures or energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous control system for motorized roller shutters that uses a remote control with limited functionality and a control card near the motor, allowing for programming via a computer-independent method, where parameters are introduced and transferred using a temporary link, enabling programmed movements even if the remote control is faulty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control with display screen, keyboard and memory is used to program shutter movements at any time, then programming flexibility is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a simple remote control for transmission and a control card with memory near the motor for storage and execution. This segmentation allows the remote to remain simple and low-power while the control card handles programming flexibility locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The control card pre-stores multiple movement programs and parameters in its memory. Instead of programming in real-time (which requires high energy), the system prepares and stores all possible movement sequences in advance, enabling flexible operation without continuous power consumption for processing.
2Extent of automation
If the remote control houses all control electronics and programmed instructions, then the system can operate when computer is off, but reliability decreases when remote control is faulty or out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The control card positioned near the motor contains the execution logic and memory locally, while the remote control only handles simple command transmission. This localizes critical functions to where they are most needed, improving reliability by separating the simple transmission function from the critical execution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control card acts as an intermediary between the simple remote control and the motor. It receives simple commands from the remote, retrieves appropriate pre-stored programs from its memory, and executes them. This intermediary protects the system from remote control failures while maintaining autonomous operation.
3Ease of operation
If a USB connection is used to connect remote control to computer for programming, then programming capability is enabled, but the system becomes dependent on computer connection and USB power
Solution Approach 1:
The programming capability is extracted from the computer-remote connection and embedded directly into the control card's memory. The control card stores complete movement programs locally, eliminating the need for USB connection during operation. Programming can be done via simple remote commands that load parameters into the control card's memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The control card serves itself by storing complete movement programs and parameters in its own memory. Once programmed, it can execute movements autonomously without needing the computer or USB connection. The system becomes self-sufficient, with the control card handling all execution decisions locally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote control is used as sensors for comfort parameters like temperature and luminosity, then environmental monitoring is enabled, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control card near the motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores movement programs, executes remote commands, and can read sensor data from the remote control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems, reducing overall complexity while enabling environmental monitoring capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system (4) has a programming unit (8) programming an instruction for moving a roller blind (1) at predetermined hour. The unit is constituted by an input keyboard (10) and a display screen (11) of a home computer (9) e.g. portable computer, of a remote control (6). The computer operates a program (12) allowing to constitute control parameters interpretable by the system in the computer and to transfer the parameters in the system. An establishing unit (13) establishes a communication connection e.g. wire connection, with the computer to proceed the reception of the programmed instruction.