Roller Shutter Locking Position Detection Using Torque Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized screen installations require manual intervention and trial-and-error methods to adjust blocking mechanisms, leading to potential positioning errors and risks of mechanical stress on fragile components.

Innovation Solution

An automated method that analyzes torque variations during screen movement to determine the entry position into the locking mechanism, allowing for automatic learning of the rotation reversal position without user intervention, using hardware and software means to implement this process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual trial-and-error adjustment is used to position the bottom slat in the locking mechanism area, then the locking mechanism can be configured, but positioning errors occur and mechanical stress is applied to fragile components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress on locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical trial-and-error adjustment with an automated detection system that uses torque measurement to identify the entry position into the locking mechanism. The control unit automatically detects torque variations during screen movement and determines the precise entry position without requiring manual positioning, thereby eliminating positioning errors and mechanical stress on fragile locking mechanism components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment by installer is required for locking mechanism positioning, then the system can be configured, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment simplicityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated detection of torque variations during screen movement. The control unit automatically identifies the entry position into the locking mechanism and configures the rotation reversal position without requiring installer intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the adjustment process and eliminates the time loss associated with manual trial-and-error positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through torque measurement during screen movement. The control unit continuously monitors torque variations and uses this feedback to automatically determine the entry position into the locking mechanism. This feedback mechanism enables precise automatic configuration without manual intervention, making the adjustment process both simple and fast.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the bottom slat is positioned beyond the locking mechanism area, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but premature activation or failure to lock may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidentry position detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual positioning with automated torque-based detection to precisely identify the entry position into the locking mechanism. By measuring torque variations during screen movement, the control unit accurately determines when the bottom slat enters the locking mechanism area, ensuring reliable locking activation without premature or failed locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables fully automated adjustment of motorized screen installations, reducing the risk of human error and mechanical stress, while fine-tuning settings to ensure optimal operation and prevent premature activation of locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

An automated method that analyzes torque variations during screen movement to determine the entry position into the locking mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3470616B1Automated method for regulating a roller shutter installation provided with a locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3470616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3470616B1 patent drawingFigure 3'a~3'b
  • EP3470616B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A method for adjusting a motorized screen installation comprising a curtain that can be rolled up on a winding tube, a winding tube operating actuator and a locking mechanism for the free end of the curtain defining a so-called locked position in the winding direction, the locking being activated in the winding direction if the free end of the curtain has previously reached at least one entry position in the locking mechanism, located beyond the locked position in the unwinding direction, the motorized screen installation being equipped with a means for measuring a parameter related to the movement of the motorized screen, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - analysis (80) of the variations of the parameter related to the movement of the motorized screen during a movement of the motorized screen; - determination (100), from this analysis, of the entry position in the locking mechanism.