Motorized Screen Control Unit Automatic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized roll-up screen installations require significant human intervention for adjusting and commissioning, leading to a risk of errors due to complex and manual procedures for setting intermediate positions.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes an electronic control unit to automatically determine and store target positions for motorized screens, allowing the screen to move to predetermined positions with minimal user intervention, by verifying stored positions and determining parameterization prerequisites through a sequence of movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment procedures are used for setting intermediate positions, then the screen can be positioned at specific locations, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases and error risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting mechanical events (locking mechanism engagement, tilting mechanism activation, projection deployment) during screen movement and storing the corresponding positions in memory. The microcontroller unit autonomously identifies intermediate positions without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to configure itself during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from mechanical sensors and position detectors to automatically determine when the screen has reached specific intermediate positions. The microcontroller monitors mechanical events such as locking mechanism engagement and tilting mechanism activation, using this feedback to automatically store the corresponding positions in memory without manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If specific control methods are provided for each intermediate position, then precise positioning is achieved, but the number of control elements and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of control elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single control element (button) on the remote control unit serves multiple functions: it can initiate automatic positioning to any stored intermediate position, trigger full retraction or deployment sequences, and serve as the universal interface for all screen position control operations. This eliminates the need for separate control elements for each intermediate position.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores digital copies of intermediate positions in memory, where each position is represented as a stored coordinate or state parameter. Instead of requiring physical control elements for each position, the system uses stored digital representations that can be recalled and executed through a single control interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If automated control is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but the system requires complex electronic control units and sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel of automationVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment procedures with an electronic control system that automatically detects mechanical events through sensors and position detectors. The microcontroller unit processes sensor signals and automatically stores position data, substituting electronic automation for manual mechanical configuration while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If intermediate positions are stored in memory, then quick access to specific positions is enabled, but the initial setup and programming time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speed to positionsVSAvoidsetup and commissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic detection and storage of intermediate positions during the first normal operation cycle. As the screen moves through its range of motion, the microcontroller automatically detects mechanical events and stores the corresponding positions in memory before user operation begins, eliminating the need for separate setup or programming time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3470617B1Method for automated control of a roller shutter installation and roller shutter installation
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3470617B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3470617B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling a motorized screen installation that rolls up onto a winding tube and a winding tube actuator, the method comprising an activation step (100), by a user, of a control element for moving the motorized screen to a predetermined target position, characterized in that it comprises, after the activation step (100), a verification step (102) of the storage of the predetermined target position, then: a) if the storage of the target position has been previously carried out, a step of moving the motorized screen to the target position, or b) if the storage of the target position has not been previously carried out, the following sequence of steps is carried out: - determination (106, 110) of at least one parameter prerequisite by a pre-established sequence of movements of the free end of the screen or activations of the motorized screen actuator,and - determination (116) of the target position using the parameterization prerequisites thus obtained.