Home Automation Screen Control for Pinch Hazard Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems fail to adequately address security concerns, particularly in environments frequented by children, as they are either complex and expensive or do not prevent accidental screen closures that could lead to pinching or defenestration.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a home automation system that designates a blocked transmitter to inhibit control commands for the screen's mobile end within a safety zone, preventing dangerous movements and allowing only authorized functions, such as partial closure or slat orientation, to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a command transmitter is locked to inhibit control commands for screen movement, then security is improved and dangerous movements are prevented, but the functionality for essential operations like illumination adjustments may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented into two categories: movement control functions (which are blocked in locked mode) and illumination control functions (which remain active). This segmentation allows the system to selectively inhibit dangerous operations while preserving essential non-dangerous functions, resolving the contradiction between security and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (normal mode and locked mode) based on security requirements. In locked mode, the system adaptively restricts movement commands while maintaining illumination control, providing dynamic flexibility that balances security with essential functionality.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect obstacles and prevent screen movement, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based obstacle detection system with an electronic/software-based solution. By using a locked mode that inhibits movement commands through software control, the system achieves security functionality without requiring additional physical sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The command receiver acts as an intermediary between the command transmitter and the screen actuator. It implements the locked mode logic to filter and inhibit dangerous movement commands before they reach the actuator, providing security functionality without requiring direct sensor input, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect obstacles, then security is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based obstacle detection system with an electronic/software-based solution. By using a locked mode that inhibits movement commands through software control, the system achieves security functionality without requiring additional physical sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing command receiver and control logic to implement security functionality. The command receiver leverages its existing capability to receive and process commands, extending this self-service capability to include security-related command filtering, eliminating the need for separate installation of additional detection components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of operating a home automation system comprising a closing, obscuring or sun protection screen driven by an actuator and intended to close an opening in a building, the screen comprising a movable end between an open position corresponding to an open configuration of the screen and a closed position corresponding to a closed configuration of the screen, the actuator being controlled by at least one first command transmitter, characterized in that when, in a prior step, the first command transmitter is designated as a blocked transmitter, the home automation system switches to a first operating mode, in which movements of the movable end controlled from the blocked transmitter are only prohibited when the movable end is in a safety zone.