Roller Shutter Motorized Adjustment Method for Locking Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized windable element installations face challenges in ensuring the recorded rotation reversal position is sufficiently distant from the stop and exit positions of the locking means, leading to potential damage from premature abutment or partial disengagement due to torque detection delays and variable dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A method that iteratively adjusts the candidate rotation reversal positions by driving the windable element in both winding and unwinding directions, with each position offset from the previous, until the free end exceeds the exit position, allowing for the selection of an optimal position distant from both stop and exit positions, using position and torque sensors for detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the locking means are made small to reduce device complexity, then the distances between positions are reduced, but this prevents guaranteeing sufficient distance from stop and exit positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of locking meansVSAvoiddistance guarantee from stop and exit positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary movements before the main locking operation. Specifically, before attempting to lock, the shutter is moved a predetermined distance to ensure it reaches a safe position far enough from the stop and exit positions of the locking means, compensating for the small size of the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a buffer distance or safety margin in the movement sequence. The shutter is positioned at a predetermined distance before the actual locking point, creating a cushion that prevents premature engagement or disengagement even when the locking means are small

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If torque detection threshold is set high to avoid false detection during start-up, then detection reliability improves, but response time increases due to start-up delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque detection accuracyVSAvoiddelay between actuator start and torque detection activation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning movements before attempting locking operations. By moving the shutter to a predetermined position first, the system ensures proper engagement geometry is established before torque detection becomes critical, allowing for more accurate threshold settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movement sequence is divided into distinct phases: a first movement to a predetermined position, followed by a second movement for actual locking. This segmentation allows torque detection to be optimized for each phase separately, improving overall detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the recorded rotation reversal position is too close to the locking mechanism extension position, then ease of operation improves, but the bottom slat may disengage from the locking mechanism over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning convenienceVSAvoidlocking engagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before performing the locking operation, the system executes a preliminary movement to a predetermined position that is offset from the previously recorded rotation reversal position. This ensures the shutter is properly positioned relative to the locking means before engagement, preventing premature disengagement over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach ensures the optimal rotation reversal position is chosen, preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation by maintaining the windable element within the locking means, even as joints relax or dimensions vary, thereby enhancing the security and longevity of the shutter.

Implementation Method 1

torque sensors involved, and their activation requires a start-up time. This is due in particular to the fact that the torque peak at motor start-up is often higher than predefined thresholds characteristic of an obstacle or the shutter reaching its end stop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque detection: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3470615B1Method for adjusting a roller shutter installation provided with a lock and roller shutter installation
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3470615B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3470615B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a motorized roller shutter installation in which, after recording a first candidate rotation reversal position (PM1), the curtain is driven in the winding direction to the locked position (P2), then the following sequence is carried out: a) the curtain is driven in the unwinding direction to a candidate rotation reversal position (PM2, PM3) located beyond the first candidate rotation reversal position (PM1), b) the curtain is driven in the winding direction to the locked position (P2), steps a) and b) being repeated until the free end (4) of the curtain reaches a position called the exit position (P4), beyond which the locking of the winding element (2) is no longer activated when the winding element is driven in the winding direction.