Segmented Actuating System with Snap-In Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized actuation systems for closure and blackout devices face challenges in providing a safe, easy-to-handle, and mains-independent energy supply, with risks of accidental damage to electrical cables and batteries, and require complex charging procedures.

Innovation Solution

The actuation system eliminates the need for internal energy storage by using a separate housing for the energy store, which is easily replaceable without opening the device, and features a connector system that automatically establishes an electrical connection, reducing external cable exposure and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the energy store is integrated inside the first housing with the electric drive, then the system structure is compact, but the risk of accidental damage to cables and batteries increases and replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem volumeVSAvoidsafety against accidental damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate housings: the first housing contains the electric drive, while the second housing contains the energy store. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables easy replacement of the energy store without affecting the drive unit, thereby improving safety and maintainability while maintaining system compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A holder is introduced as an intermediary component that mechanically secures both the first and second housings in their working positions. The holder provides a stable mounting structure that reduces the risk of accidental damage to cables and batteries while allowing for easy installation and replacement of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If external electrical cables are used for power supply, then charging is simple, but the risk of accidental tearing out and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging simplicityVSAvoidaccidental cable damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into an integrated energy store within the second housing and a plug connector for periodic recharging. This eliminates the need for continuous external cable connections during operation, reducing the risk of accidental cable damage while maintaining charging simplicity through periodic plug-in charging of the removable energy store.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the energy store is permanently fixed inside the device, then the structure is stable, but replacement and maintenance become laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidenergy store replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a fixed first housing and a separately replaceable second housing containing the energy store. The second housing can be easily removed and replaced without tools or complex procedures, maintaining structural stability during operation while enabling simple maintenance and replacement of the energy store when depleted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy store in the second housing is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced rather than repaired. This approach treats the energy store as a short-living component that is replaced when depleted, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing the need for complex repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the connector is exposed outside the housing, then connection is accessible, but the risk of accidental damage from passing by increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental connector damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connector is nested within the second housing and only becomes accessible when the second housing is removed from the holder. This nesting protects the connector from accidental damage during normal operation while maintaining accessibility when needed for charging or replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary that secures the second housing in a fixed position, protecting the plug connector from accidental damage. The holder provides a stable mounting structure that prevents the housing and connector from being accidentally dislodged or damaged by passing objects or persons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3670815B1Actuating system for motorised actuating of a locking device for an opening of a wall or for actuating a shading device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 ALFRED SCHELLENBERG
  • EP3670815B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3670815B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3670815B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuating system for the motorized operation of a locking device for an opening in a wall or for the operation of a blackout device, wherein the actuating system comprises an electric drive and an electric energy storage device in which energy for operating the electric drive is stored or can be stored. The actuating system has a first housing that contains the electric drive but not the electric energy storage device and that carries a first electrical connector that is electrically connected to the electric drive. The actuating system also has a second housing that contains the energy storage device and that carries a second connector that is electrically connected to the electric energy storage device.The actuating system also has a holder arranged outside the first housing, on which the second housing can be mechanically secured by performing a locking movement, in particular by snapping it into place, wherein the holder is designed and arranged such that by performing the locking movement an electrical connection is automatically and necessarily established between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.