Modular Window Shade Motor With Rotation-Based Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window shade motor systems are inflexible and require full replacement when custom features or market demands change, leading to inefficiencies and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A modular motor design with obstacle detection capabilities, allowing for the separation and customization of individual components, such as power sources, communication cards, and encoders, enabling easier integration with other building systems and sustainable recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an integrated motor design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable base motor unit and replaceable application-specific modules. Each module contains dedicated functionality (e.g., heating element, cooling fan, communication cards) that can be independently selected and attached to the base unit, enabling customization without redesigning the entire motor system.
2Reliability
If the entire motor is replaced when features change, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
When upgrading or customizing the motor system, only the specific application module needs to be replaced while the base motor unit is retained and reused. This recovery and reuse of the base unit significantly reduces material waste compared to replacing the entire integrated motor system.
3Device complexity
If an integrated motor design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture separates the motor into distinct functional modules that can be independently accessed, removed, and replaced. This segmentation enables targeted maintenance and repair of specific modules without disassembling or affecting the entire motor system, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
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 modular motor system allows for quick adaptation to changing market demands and custom specifications, reducing waste and environmental impact while enhancing integration with other building systems and improving obstacle detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder may include a magnetic wheel and an encoder collar. The encoder may analyze shade tube rotations.
Data Source
AI summary
The system may include a motor releasably connected to a control module and the control module releasably connected to a drive module. The system may further include a joint releasably connecting the control module to the drive module, wherein the joint includes a floating gear. The method may include determining a motor shaft rotation of a motor shaft in a motor, determining a shade tube rotation of a shade tube that moves a window shade over a path, comparing the motor shaft rotation to the shade tube rotation, determining, based on the comparing, that the shade tube rotation is not equal to the motor shaft rotation and determining that an obstacle exists in the path of the window shade. The method may also include determining a change in at least one of current or torque in the motor.