Roller Shutter Control Device Preventing Unintended Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter control systems can inadvertently block access by moving balcony doors or windows to their lower end point according to a programmed time sequence, causing access issues for occupants.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allows for controlled movement of roller shutters or blinds using a series of control signals and a predefined time delay, enabling occupants to prevent closure or reverse it, using an electric drive with a communication interface for wireless or wired commands, and a control unit to manage these signals and delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the roller shutter is controlled by a programmed time sequence to move to the lower end point, then thermal insulation and security functions are improved, but access to the apartment via the balcony door or window is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation functionVSAvoidaccess to apartment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roller shutter control system transitions from a static, purely time-programmed control mode to a dynamic control mode that adapts based on real-time user interaction. The system dynamically switches between automatic time-based closure and manual user-controlled closure, allowing the shutter to respond flexibly to both scheduled insulation needs and immediate access requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user actions (such as pulling the roller shutter) and automatically adjusts its behavior accordingly. When the system detects that a user is pulling the roller shutter during a programmed closure sequence, it receives this feedback and modifies the closure timing to prevent blocking access, thereby maintaining both insulation functionality and user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the roller shutter moves to the lower end point according to a programmed time sequence, then security and privacy functions are improved, but the occupant cannot access the balcony or window

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionVSAvoidaccess to balcony
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the closure schedule based on detected user actions. When the system detects that a user is attempting to access the balcony or window during a programmed closure, it dynamically modifies the timing to delay or pause the closure sequence, ensuring security is maintained while allowing necessary access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors for user interactions with the roller shutter and uses this feedback to adjust its operation. When feedback indicates a user is pulling or attempting to open the shutter during a scheduled closure, the system responds by modifying the closure timing, thereby maintaining security protocols while accommodating user access needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If a time program automatically closes the roller shutter, then energy efficiency through thermal insulation is improved, but the system cannot respond to immediate user needs for access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation efficiencyVSAvoidresponse to user needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system combines static time-programmed operation with dynamic user-responsive operation. The system maintains scheduled closure sequences for energy efficiency but dynamically adapts when user actions are detected, allowing it to respond to immediate needs while preserving the energy-saving benefits of automated timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves multiple functions: it operates as an automatic time-programmed system for energy efficiency, as a manual user-controlled system for immediate access needs, and as an intelligent hybrid system that combines both approaches. This multi-functionality allows the same device to optimize for different priorities depending on the situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3489454B1Roller closing control device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3489454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3489454B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for controlling an electric drive of a roller shutter (30) or a blind, wherein the roller shutter (30) or the blind can be moved by means of the electric drive between a lower endpoint (52) and an upper endpoint (50). The method comprises the steps: • Receiving (110) a closing command, • Generating (120) a first control signal which causes the roller shutter (30) or the blind to move towards the lower endpoint (52) by means of the electric drive, • Generating (130) a second control signal which causes the electric drive to stop before the roller shutter or the blind has reached the lower endpoint (52), • Waiting (140) for a predefined delay, • Generating (150) a third control signal which causes the roller shutter (30) or the blind to move to the lower endpoint (52) by means of the electric drive.