Screen Actuator Battery Feedback for Smarter Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for sun protection or blackout screens lack the ability to inform users about the battery charge state and charging status, leading to inefficient battery management and potential overconsumption of energy.
Innovation Solution
The actuator includes a control circuit that manages the state of charge of external batteries, providing information to users and optimizing charging processes through technologies like USB-C, Power Delivery (PD), and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), ensuring efficient battery management and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery pack is charged without actuator notification, then the charging process is simple and autonomous, but the user cannot be informed about charging status and battery charge level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by enabling the actuator to receive charging status information from the battery pack and transmit this information to the user through display means. The control circuit establishes bidirectional communication to monitor and communicate battery charge level and charging state, resolving the information loss while maintaining simple autonomous charging operation.
2Device complexity
If the actuator lacks battery charge level information, then the system structure remains simple, but no feedback can be provided to the user about battery state
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is configured to receive charge level information from the battery pack and transmit this information to display means for user visualization. This feedback mechanism provides comprehensive battery status information while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through efficient use of existing communication and display components.
3Device complexity
If the actuator cannot detect charging phase, then the power supply system is simple, but the actuator cannot switch to charging mode or suspend operation appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator dynamically adapts its operational mode based on charging phase detection. The control circuit monitors charging status and automatically switches the actuator to charging mode or suspends operation as appropriate, enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically without requiring complex manual intervention or pre-programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the battery pack regarding charging phase to automatically adjust actuator operation. This closed-loop control enables the actuator to respond appropriately to charging conditions, switching to charging mode or suspending operation based on real-time battery status information.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external batteries are used without charge management, then the battery pack design is simple and flexible, but battery lifespan is reduced due to inefficient charging
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives charge level information from the battery pack and uses this feedback to manage the charging process efficiently. This enables optimization of charging parameters and timing, extending battery lifespan while preserving the simplicity and flexibility of external battery pack design.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen, comprising a housing (2) containing an electric motor (4), a reduction gear (6), a control circuit (12), said actuator being intended to be connected to an external battery pack (8) intended to provide the electrical power of the motor and the control circuit, said actuator comprising at least one connector (CCA1) connected to said control circuit, said connector being configured for the electrical supply of the actuator, said connector being configured to at least transmit information on the battery pack, the control circuit (12) comprising means for acquiring information on the voltage and current at the terminals of the battery pack and means for generating at least one signal on the basis of said information.