Self-Powered Control Point for Solar Shutter Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered control points for solar protection and closing installations require periodic battery replacement, which is impractical, and previous batteryless solutions have complex or fragile energy-generating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A control point with a simple structure that uses a single recall mechanism for multiple keys, where the effort to press a key is less than the return force, activating an electricity generator to produce energy without a battery, using a mechanism with a central button and tilting button arrangement that reduces user effort and facilitates energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is used to power the control point, then the control point can operate continuously, but the battery requires periodic replacement which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The control point generates its own electrical energy through a mechanical energy generator that is activated by the user's pressing action on the keys. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacement while ensuring continuous operation.
2Device complexity
If multiple rocker buttons are mechanically linked to the same energy generation means, then a single generator can serve multiple keys, but the mechanical link implementation becomes complex and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent pressing mechanisms (different keys) are merged into a single common energy generation means. The housing structure integrates multiple key pressings into one unified generator activation system, reducing the number of generators while maintaining reliable mechanical links through a shared activation mechanism.
3Force
If the return mechanism is positioned close to the keys, then the actuation force required is reduced, but the structure becomes more compact and may interfere with key operation
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism is positioned in a specific location within the housing that is optimally close to each key's pressing point. This localized positioning ensures that the return force is applied at the most effective point for each key, minimizing the actuation force required while maintaining proper key operation through careful spatial design.
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 control point is energy self-sufficient, operates without battery replacement, and has a reduced number of parts, making it easier to use and maintain, while generating electricity with each key press.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism (80, 180) comprising a single recall mechanism for all the keys (28, 30A, 30B, 130A, 130B, 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D), effort to press a key being less than the return force, activating an electricity generator (64)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control point (16) for a shutter or sun protection system, comprising a housing (19), at least two push buttons (30A, 30B), and a return mechanism (80). The push buttons, referred to as the first (30A) and second (30B) buttons, each define a released position and a pressed position. The pressed position is obtained by a user pressing the button along a direction of pressure (F4) and is associated with a respective control signal. The return mechanism (80), which is actuated along a pressure axis (A22) substantially parallel to the direction of pressure (F4) between a stable and a constrained configuration, is designed to return the first button (30A) from its pressed position to its released position when the return mechanism moves from its constrained to its stable configuration.The first button (30A) is pivotally mounted relative to the housing about a first pivot axis (56B), while the second button (30B) is pivotally mounted relative to the housing about a second pivot axis (56A). The return mechanism (80) also returns the second button (30B) from its depressed position to its released position when the return mechanism moves from its constrained configuration to its stable configuration, while the return mechanism is located both between the first button (30A) and the first pivot axis (56B) and between the second button (30B) and the second pivot axis (56A). When either the first or second button (30A, 30B) is moved by a user from its released position to its depressed position, this movement causes the return mechanism (80) to move from its stable configuration to its constrained configuration.