Self-Configuring Motorized Screen Actuator for Automatic End-of-Travel Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized screen installations for solar protection and security require complex installation procedures and frequent adjustments due to changing operating conditions, necessitating manual intervention for configuration and recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring motorized screen system that uses time-based measurements to determine and adjust end-of-travel positions and force values automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention by employing an electromechanical actuator with a logic processing unit, sensor for obstacle detection, and electronic unit for continuous self-adjustment of reference times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual installation procedures are used to define end-of-travel positions, then the system can be configured with precise position control, but the installation complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator automatically determines its own end-of-travel positions by detecting hard stops during operation and recalibrating force values without installer intervention. The system performs self-configuration by moving the movable element and detecting stop positions autonomously, eliminating the need for manual learning modes while maintaining precise position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with an electronic detection system that uses force sensors and control logic to automatically identify end-of-travel positions. The electronic unit detects when the movable element reaches hard stops through force measurement and automatically configures the position parameters, substituting manual mechanical configuration with automated electronic detection.
2Reliability
If regular recalibration procedures are implemented to adapt to operational changes, then the system maintains accuracy under varying conditions, but the maintenance frequency and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator continuously monitors and adjusts force values during normal operation without requiring scheduled maintenance stops. The system performs automatic recalibration during each operational cycle by detecting hard stops and updating force parameters in real-time, making the calibration process continuous rather than periodic, thus maintaining accuracy without losing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the electronic unit monitors force values during movement, detects when hard stops are reached, and automatically adjusts the force parameters for the next cycle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to operational changes (ageing, climatic conditions) automatically without requiring external intervention or maintenance time.
3Measurement precision
If a learning mode is used during installation to record end-of-travel positions, then the system achieves accurate position memory, but the installation procedure becomes more complex requiring qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator autonomously performs the learning function by automatically moving the movable element to detect hard stops and recording the positions without installer intervention. The electronic unit executes the position memory function self-service style, eliminating the need for qualified personnel to perform manual learning procedures while maintaining accurate end-of-travel position recording.
4Reliability
If force values are manually adjusted to adapt to product ageing and climatic conditions, then the system maintains optimal performance, but the frequency of manual adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously adapts force values during normal operation by detecting hard stops and automatically updating parameters in each cycle. This continuous adaptation replaces periodic manual adjustments, maintaining optimal performance under changing conditions (ageing, climate) without reducing productivity or requiring maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator performs self-adjustment of force values by monitoring operational conditions and automatically recalibrating during use. The electronic unit detects when force parameters need adjustment through hard stop detection and autonomously modifies the values, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain performance consistency under varying conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The method involves operating a mobile closing element (3) by an electromechanical actuator (2) for closing, occultation and solar or screen protection in a building between two end-of-travel positions in which information is used proportional to a duration of displacement of the mobile element between the two positions. The information is obtained from a digital processor balanced from measured duration differences during displacements of the mobile element from one position to another position in an automatic adjustment mode.