Motorized Home Automation Screen Wind Control via Threshold Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation screen control methods fail to adequately address the stress and flapping issues caused by wind, leading to potential damage and noise, while also providing only partial sun protection and lacking measures to stabilize the screen in strong winds.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using wind intensity thresholds to control the position and stability of the screen, either by blocking the load bar or adjusting the orientation of slats, to reduce flapping and exposure to wind, ensuring secure operation in low winds and safe configuration in strong winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the screen is deployed in windy conditions to provide sun protection, then solar protection function is improved, but screen structure is damaged and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the screen position adjustable and responsive to wind conditions. The control unit automatically adjusts the screen to different positions based on measured wind intensity, transforming a static screen into a dynamic system that adapts to environmental conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the screen to provide sun protection when wind is low while retracting or positioning strategically when wind increases, thus maintaining both protective function and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control unit that continuously monitors wind intensity via a sensor and automatically adjusts the screen position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the screen to respond dynamically to changing wind conditions, maintaining optimal balance between sun protection functionality and structural safety by adjusting screen deployment based on real-time wind data.
2Reliability
If the screen surface exposed to wind is reduced to limit stress, then screen structure is protected, but sun protection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by deploying the screen to intermediate positions rather than full deployment when wind conditions are moderate. The control unit adjusts the screen to provide partial sun protection while limiting the exposed surface area to reduce wind stress. This partial deployment strategy resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate sun protection for user comfort while reducing the screen surface exposed to wind, thus protecting the structure.
3Illumination intensity
If the load bar is allowed to flap in wind to maintain screen tension, then screen deployment is maintained, but noise is generated and structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing the exposed screen surface area before wind intensity reaches levels that would cause harmful flapping. The control unit monitors wind conditions and adjusts the screen position in advance to minimize the surface area exposed to wind, preventing the load bar flapping that generates noise and structural damage. This preventive approach maintains sun protection function while eliminating harmful flapping effects.
4Reliability
If a single wind threshold is used to raise the screen, then screen structure is protected in strong wind, but sun protection is completely lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wind response into multiple threshold levels rather than using a single threshold. The control unit is programmed with multiple wind intensity thresholds that trigger different screen positions: full retraction at high wind thresholds, partial deployment at moderate thresholds, and full deployment at low thresholds. This segmented approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the screen to maintain sun protection at lower wind levels while ensuring structural protection only when necessary at higher wind levels.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves determining intensity of wind when a home automation screen (1a) is in an initial position, and permitting the screen to attain a safety position from the initial position when the determined wind intensity is between threshold values. The screen is allowed to reach another safety position when the determined wind intensity is higher than the latter threshold value, where deployment of the screen in the former safety position is equal to deployment of the screen in the initial position. An independent claim is also included for a home automation device comprising a determination unit for determining intensity of wind.