Shading Actuator Speed Control for Battery Power and Noise Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shading device control methods do not adapt the rotational speed of the electromechanical actuator based on operational data during movement, leading to potential power exceeding for battery energy storage elements, which can reduce battery life and increase noise.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines and compares power consumption or torque data during screen movement with predetermined thresholds, adjusting the rotational speed setpoint to prevent power exceeding and optimize battery usage, thereby ensuring long battery life and minimizing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electromechanical actuator operates at nominal rotational speed during screen movement, then productivity is improved, but power consumption exceeds the battery's energy storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen movement speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational speed setpoint of the electromechanical actuator is dynamically adjusted during screen movement based on real-time monitoring of battery charge level. When the battery charge level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the actuator operates at nominal speed for high productivity. When the threshold is exceeded, the speed is reduced to conserve energy, preventing power consumption from exceeding battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the battery's charge level and uses this feedback information to adjust the rotational speed setpoint of the electromechanical actuator. This closed-loop control ensures that power consumption remains within the battery's energy storage capacity while optimizing screen movement speed according to available energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electromechanical actuator operates at reduced rotational speed to conserve energy, then use of energy is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidscreen movement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed setpoint based on real-time battery charge level monitoring. When charge level is sufficient (below threshold), the actuator operates at nominal speed for high productivity. When charge level exceeds the threshold, speed is reduced to conserve energy, creating an optimal balance between productivity and energy consumption throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational speed parameter of the electromechanical actuator is changed based on the battery charge level parameter. The control unit modifies the speed setpoint from nominal to reduced values when the battery charge level exceeds the predetermined threshold, optimizing the trade-off between productivity and energy conservation under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high rotational speed is maintained throughout operation, then productivity is improved, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen movement speedVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational speed of the electromechanical actuator is dynamically adjusted during operation. When the battery charge level exceeds the predetermined threshold, the system reduces the rotational speed setpoint, which simultaneously reduces noise generation while conserving energy. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between productivity, energy consumption, and noise reduction throughout the screen movement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12054987B2Method for controlling the operation of a shading device, and associated shading device

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA

AI summary

A method for controlling a shading device includes: moving a screen by electrical activation of an electromechanical actuator; determining a value of data representing operation of a motorised drive device during screen movement; and comparing the determined data to a first predetermined threshold. Depending on the result, the method includes: reducing a rotational speed setpoint of an output shaft of the electromechanical actuator if the value of the determined data≥the value of the first predetermined threshold, to reduce power consumed by the electromechanical actuator; or maintaining the rotational speed setpoint of the output shaft of the electromechanical actuator as long as the determined data<the value of the first predetermined threshold. The determined data is the power consumed or the torque delivered by the electromechanical actuator. The determining, comparing, and reducing are iterated until a value of a second predetermined speed threshold is reached.