Roller Tube Positioning with Gravitational Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural opening covering assemblies, such as roller blinds, lack precise control over the positioning and movement of shading materials, particularly in responding to manual inputs and maintaining set limits, leading to potential overextension or underextension.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gravitational sensor coupled with a controller to determine the angular position of a roller tube and manage motor operation, allowing for precise control of the covering's position and preventing manual overextension by counteracting forces at set limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized roller tube is used to control the covering, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but precise control and reliability in maintaining set limits deteriorate due to lack of position feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a gravitational sensor (accelerometer) to continuously monitor the angular position of the roller tube. The controller receives position information from the sensor and uses it to determine when the covering reaches predetermined positions (fully retracted, fully extended, intermediate positions). This feedback loop enables the motor to stop automatically at set limits, ensuring precise control and reliability while maintaining automation.
2Device complexity
If no position sensing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate leading to overextension or underextension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms (such as encoders, potentiometers, or mechanical limit switches) with a gravitational sensor that uses accelerometer technology. This substitution maintains measurement precision for determining tube angular position while reducing mechanical complexity, eliminating moving parts in the sensing system, and improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is allowed without control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential overextension beyond set limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by programming the controller to detect when the roller tube reaches predetermined angular positions corresponding to set limits (fully retracted, fully extended, or intermediate positions). Upon detecting these positions via the gravitational sensor, the controller automatically applies counteracting force through the motor to prevent further movement in the unwanted direction, thereby preventing overextension or underextension before it can occur.
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 precise and controlled movement of the shading material, ensuring it remains within set positions and preventing overextension, enhancing user convenience and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational sensor to generate tube position information based on a gravity reference
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example architectural opening covering assembly includes a tube and a covering coupled to the tube such that rotation of the tube winds or unwinds the covering around the tube. A motor is operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube. The example architectural opening covering assembly also includes a gravitational sensor to generate tube position information based on a gravity reference. The example architectural opening covering assembly further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the motor to control the motor. The controller is to determine a position of the covering based on the tube position information.