Screen Configuration via Winding Angle Approximation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring a group of screens with load bars and flexible elements require precise measurements of winding diameter, panel thickness, and load bar positions, making them time-consuming and difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

A method that approximates the instantaneous axial position of load bars using one-to-one functions based on the angular position of the winding member, allowing for alignment and movement without measuring these parameters, using polynomial functions to model vertical movements and determine coefficients for controlling the screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If precise measurements of winding diameter, panel thickness, and load bar positions are taken, then the configuration accuracy is improved, but the configuration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the screens' own movement characteristics to automatically determine configuration parameters. The microprocessor controls the screens to move between positions and automatically measures the electrical signals (voltages) generated during movement, eliminating the need for external precise measurements of winding diameter, panel thickness, or load bar positions. The system configures itself by observing its own behavior during controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (physical measurement of dimensions) with electrical measurement methods. Instead of using calipers or rulers to measure winding diameter and panel thickness, the system uses voltage measurements from the motor driver during screen movement to infer configuration parameters. This substitution of measurement domains enables faster, automated configuration without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple measurements and validations are taken at predetermined distances, then the configuration precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidease of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs all configuration steps without requiring manual intervention at predetermined positions. The microprocessor controls the screens to move, automatically records the electrical signals generated, and computes the configuration parameters. This eliminates the need for installers to manually position load bars at specific distances and take measurements, making the process easy to operate while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from electrical measurements during screen movement to automatically adjust and determine configuration parameters. The microprocessor monitors voltages generated during controlled movement and uses this feedback information to compute the necessary configuration data, eliminating manual measurement and validation steps while maintaining configuration precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the configuration method requires knowing initial winding diameter and panel thickness, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines configuration parameters by observing its own movement characteristics rather than requiring pre-known physical dimensions. The microprocessor controls the screens to move and automatically measures the electrical signals generated during this movement. This self-measurement approach eliminates the need for separate measurement devices or pre-known parameters, reducing configuration process complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for mechanical measurement of winding diameter and panel thickness with electrical measurement of motor driver voltages during screen movement. This substitution eliminates the complexity of physical measurement tools and procedures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately determine configuration parameters through electrical signal analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8853973B2Methods for configuring and controlling a group of screens, and actuator suitable for such a control method

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA

AI summary

Each screen (1) of a group of screens is configured by a method in which a function is approximated, the function giving the instantaneous axial position (H(t)) of the load bar (2) thereof along an axis (Z) of translation in the form of a function having, as a variable, the instantaneous angular position (y(t)) of a winding device (4). The load bars of the screens are sequentially moved into a plurality of positions in which the load bars are aligned, and then the angular position (y(t)) of the winding device is determined. Next, the coefficients defining the approximation function of each screen are determined. The movement of the load bar of each screen is controlled by an instantaneous angular-position set value (θ(t)), which is in turn predetermined from a representative profile using the one-to-one approximation function.