Window Screen Drive Smooth Manual-to-Motor Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window screening devices with electric and manual adjustment mechanisms experience abrupt speed changes during the transition from manual to motorized operation, leading to an unpleasant user experience due to sudden changes in speed.
Innovation Solution
An electrically and manually adjustable screening device with a sensor arrangement that detects manual movement and controls the electric drive to smoothly take over by ramping up the speed from a low starting point below the maximum speed, matching the speed of the manual movement to ensure a seamless transition, and includes a reduction gear for easier manual operation and a mechanism to store and release potential energy for gravitational compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the electric drive takes over from manual movement abruptly, then the transition from manual to motorized operation is achieved quickly, but sudden changes in speed occur resulting in unpleasant user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the electric drive speed during transition from manual to motorized operation. The drive speed is not fixed but varies continuously to match the manual movement speed initially, then ramps up to operating speed, creating a dynamic transition that is both quick and smooth for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed parameter of the electric drive during the transition phase. The speed starts at zero, increases to match the manual movement speed, then ramps up to the full operating speed. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain smooth operation while achieving quick transition
2Speed
If the electric drive starts at maximum speed during takeover, then the response time is reduced, but strong acceleration occurs which is not experienced as agreeable by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by first matching the electric drive speed to the manual movement speed before ramping up to maximum speed. This preliminary speed matching ensures that when the electric drive takes over, there is no sudden acceleration, making the transition agreeable to operators while still maintaining quick response
Solution Approach 2:
The speed ramp-up is performed in a controlled periodic manner rather than instantaneously. The system gradually increases speed through defined phases: matching manual speed, then ramping to operating speed, which creates a smooth acceleration profile that is comfortable for operators
3Ease of operation
If the electric drive starts at very low speed during takeover, then acceleration is minimized, but deceleration of the free end occurs which is not experienced as agreeable by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting manual movement to control the electric drive speed. By monitoring the actual manual movement speed and using this feedback to adjust the drive speed accordingly, the system avoids both excessive acceleration and deceleration, achieving smooth transition that is agreeable to operators
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
The solution provides a smooth and intuitive takeover by the electric drive, minimizing speed changes and accelerations, enhancing user experience and reducing the effort required for manual operation by using a low reduction ratio and energy compensation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement (40) configured for detecting manual movement of the longitudinal position of the free end (4) and outputting a detection signal
Implementation Method 2
an electric drive operably connected to the screen for adjusting the longitudinal position of the free end (4)
Implementation Method 3
includes a reduction gear for easier manual operation
Implementation Method 4
a mechanism to store and release potential energy for gravitational compensation
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically and manually adjustable screening device for screening a window. The screening device has a screen with a variable length and a positionable free end. The longitudinal position of the free end determines the length of the screen. An electric drive is operably connected to the screen for adjusting the longitudinal position of said free end. A sensor arrangement is configured to detect manual movement of the longitudinal position of the free end and for outputting a detection signal. A circuit or processor is configured to control the speed of the electric drive and is configured to ramp up the speed of the electric drive in response to a detected manual movement starting the ramp up at a speed similar to the speed of the detected movement to gradually take over from the manual movement.