Motorized Screen Control Interface for Adjustable Slats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control interfaces for motorized shading or solar protection elements, such as roller shutters and Venetian blinds, lack intuitive and simple control methods, often leading to inadvertent actuation of translation or orientation controls.

Innovation Solution

A control interface using a pointing tool with a main button, a secondary button, and a scrolling aid element, which activates software elements on a computer to detect mechanical actions and interpret them into deployment or orientation commands, establishing a functional link between the buttons and the electromechanical actuator for precise control of motorized adjustable blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate wheel interface is used for orientation control and separate buttons for translation control, then inadvertent actuation is prevented, but the control interface complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of inadvertent actuationVSAvoidcontrol interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines translation control and orientation control into a single unified control interface. The wheel serves dual purposes: when the screen is fully deployed, it controls translation (opening/closing); when the screen is partially deployed, it controls orientation (blade angle). This merging eliminates the need for separate controls while preventing inadvertent actuation through context-aware functionality switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface dynamically changes its function based on the screen's deployment state. The system detects whether the screen is fully deployed or partially deployed and automatically switches the wheel's control mode accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows one control element to serve multiple functions without causing confusion or inadvertent actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate control interfaces are provided for different functions, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol interface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel is designed as a universal control element that can perform both translation control and orientation control. Depending on the screen's deployment state, the same physical interface adapts to control different parameters with equal precision. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining control precision through context-aware operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a graphical control interface on computer screen is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent actuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface intuitivenessVSAvoidinadvertent actuation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the screen's actual deployment state and provide information to the control interface. The graphical interface reflects the current state and adjusts available controls accordingly, preventing users from issuing commands that would cause inadvertent actuation. The feedback loop ensures that control options are context-appropriate and reduces the risk of erroneous input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2656190B1Device and method for controlling a motor-driven mobile screen having adjustable slats
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2656190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2656190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2656190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor-driven mobile screen having adjustable slats by means of an electromechanical actuator in a building, the control being implemented from a control interface including at least one control button for extending the screen and an element for assisting in the movement for adjusting the slats. The invention also relates to a control interface for implementing the method.