Roof Panel Control System Emergency Power Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof panel systems for pod rooms are prone to jamming or mechanical failure, and rely on unreliable power sources, such as mains power or batteries, which may not function during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A roof panel control system that uses a mains power supply for normal operation and an emergency power store, such as a rechargeable battery, to ensure reliable opening during emergencies, with features like voltage monitoring and alerts for maintenance, and actuation from the emergency power store only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If mains power supply is used to power the actuator, then energy consumption is reduced and emergency power store is conserved, but reliability during emergencies deteriorates because mains power may fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidreliability during emergencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency power store is pre-charged from the mains power supply during normal operation, so that when an emergency occurs, the power is already available without needing to switch power sources during the critical moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes the power source parameter based on the emergency state, switching between mains power and emergency power store to optimize both energy efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If emergency power store is used to power the actuator, then reliability during emergencies is improved, but energy consumption increases and the power store depletes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability during emergenciesVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency power store is used only partially and only when necessary (during emergencies), rather than continuously, which conserves energy while maintaining reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors power availability and switches between power sources without user intervention, managing the emergency power store responsibly to prevent depletion during non-emergency periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If mechanical biasing springs are used to open the roof panel, then the system structure is simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming and spring failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidreliability of opening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical spring-based opening mechanism is replaced with an electrically actuated system that uses an actuator controlled by a reliable power source, eliminating the reliability issues of mechanical springs while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If battery power is used for the actuator, then independence from mains power is improved, but reliability deteriorates after many cycles when the battery becomes discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from mains powerVSAvoidreliability after many cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is designed to serve multiple functions: the emergency power store provides both backup power during emergencies and a means to recharge during normal operation, creating a multi-functional power management system that improves both independence and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides a reliable and efficient means to open roof panels during emergencies while conserving emergency power and ensuring soundproofing and ventilation control, with alerts for maintenance and automatic reversion to closed positions post-emergency.

Implementation Method 1

an emergency power store, such as a rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a mains power supply input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical power supply:

Data Source

PatentUS10988926B2Apparatus comprising a roof panel and control system for opening and closing the roof panel

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 PANEL UK LTD

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus comprising a roof panel (20) and control system (14), the roof panel comprising one or more cover portions that are moveable between open and closed positions for opening and closing the roof panel. The control system comprises an actuator (40) for moving the cover portions between the open and closed positions, a mains power supply input, and an emergency power store. The control system is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of an emergency, to power the actuator from the mains power supply when the signals indicate there is no emergency, and to power the actuator from the emergency power store when the signals indicate there is an emergency.