Screen Actuator USB-C Charging for Battery Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for sun protection or privacy screens have ergonomically unsatisfactory power supply connections and inefficient battery charging processes, leading to reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
The actuator incorporates a USB-C® or higher standard connector supporting Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technologies, with a control circuit that dynamically adjusts voltage and current based on battery state and power supply type, enabling efficient and ergonomic charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard USB-C connector with PD and PPS technologies is used, then the ergonomic connection and charging efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for dynamic voltage and current adjustment control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a universal USB-C connector that supports multiple power delivery protocols (PD and PPS) to enable ergonomic and standardized charging connections. This single connector design replaces multiple specialized connectors, achieving ease of operation while maintaining compatibility across different power sources through integrated multi-functional support.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts voltage and current parameters based on battery state and power supply type detected through the USB-C connector. By implementing adaptive parameter modification rather than fixed charging specifications, the system achieves efficient charging across varying conditions without requiring complex manual configuration, thus balancing operational ease with manageable device complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If dynamic voltage and current adjustment based on battery state is implemented, then the battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit incorporates continuous monitoring of battery state (charge level, temperature, health) and dynamically adjusts voltage and current delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism extends battery life by preventing overcharging and thermal stress while optimizing charging efficiency. The system automatically negotiates power parameters through the USB-C connector based on real-time battery conditions, achieving extended duration without proportionally increasing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from static fixed-parameter charging to dynamic adaptive charging where voltage and current are continuously adjusted based on battery state. This dynamic approach maximizes battery lifespan by matching power delivery to actual battery needs at each charging stage, reducing stress and heat generation while maintaining manageable complexity through protocol-standardized control.
3Productivity
If Power Delivery and Programmable Power Supply technologies are integrated, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for protocol support and negotiation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator integrates support for both Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) protocols through the USB-C connector, enabling high-efficiency charging from diverse power sources. This universal protocol support achieves improved charging productivity by allowing the system to negotiate and utilize the most appropriate power delivery mode available, while the standardized implementation keeps complexity manageable through adherence to established communication frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs preliminary protocol negotiation and power parameter establishment before initiating battery charging through the USB-C connector. By pre-negotiating voltage and current capabilities and selecting the optimal charging protocol (PD or PPS) in advance, the system achieves high charging efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments during charging, thus improving productivity while keeping the negotiation mechanism standardized and manageable.
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
This solution enhances the ergonomic connection and efficiency of battery charging, extending battery life and ensuring optimal power delivery regardless of the power source, while providing user feedback on charging status.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator and the charging connector are configured to support a PD (Power Delivery) technology, whereby a fixed voltage at the input of the actuator with a maximum current is suitable for the needs of the actuator according to the power supply profile selected by the actuator
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively or in addition to the PD technology, the actuator and the charging connector are configured to support a programmable power supply (PPS) technology wherein the voltage and current are dynamically adapted according to the determined state of the battery or of the batteries
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to charge the battery or the batteries according to the voltage and current level required by the battery or the batteries from the voltage and current at the input of the charging connector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator for driving a sun protection or blocking screen between a plurality of positions, the actuator comprising an electric motor (4), a reduction gear (6), at least one battery (8) powering the geared motor, a circuit (12) for controlling the geared motor, a charging connector (16) designed to allow the at least one battery (8) to be connected to a power supply device, the actuator also comprising a casing (2) having a longitudinal axis (X) for housing the motor (4), the reduction gear (6), the battery (8) and the control circuit (12), the charging connector (16) being a standard connector, the actuator being intended to co-operate with a power supply device comprising a standard connector corresponding to the standard connector of the actuator. The control circuit (12) has means for transmitting, to the power supply device, a request for a power supply profile comprising at least a