Shading Actuator Switch Assembly for Accessible Electrical Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical actuators for screening devices, such as slatted blinds, lack easy access to electrical connections, making maintenance and repair complex and costly, requiring disassembly from the concealment device.

Innovation Solution

The electromechanical actuator design includes a casing with an opening that allows access to the electrical connection device through removable fixing elements, enabling maintenance without disassembly from the concealment device, while also detecting the high position of the screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the electrical connection device is located inside the casing or on the torque support, then the actuator structure is compact and integrated, but maintenance and repair become complex and time-consuming requiring disassembly from the concealment device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator structure integrationVSAvoidelectrical connection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is segmented into a first member fixed to the casing wall and a second member that is movable and removable. The electrical connection device is attached to the second member, allowing it to be separated from the casing for maintenance while keeping the first member permanently mounted. This segmentation enables easy access to electrical connections without requiring complete disassembly of the actuator from the concealment device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection device is extracted from the permanent structure of the casing by attaching it to the removable second member. This allows the electrical connection device to be taken out independently for maintenance and repair operations, while the rest of the actuator remains installed in the concealment device, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the electrical connection device is accessible without disassembly, then maintenance time and costs are reduced, but the casing structure becomes more complex requiring additional openings and removable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection accessibilityVSAvoidcasing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is divided into two members: the first member remains fixed to the casing wall maintaining structural integrity, while the second member is designed to be removable and carries the electrical connection device. This segmentation allows the casing to maintain its protective function while providing controlled access to electrical connections through the removable second member, adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second member serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting support for the electrical connection device, provides access to electrical connections for maintenance, and functions as a removable interface between the switching device and the casing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the switching device is permanently fixed to the casing wall, then the actuator structure is stable and robust, but electrical connections cannot be accessed for maintenance without complete disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching device fixationVSAvoidelectrical connection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is segmented into a first member that is permanently fixed to the casing wall to maintain structural stability and robustness, and a second member that is removable and carries the electrical connection device. This segmentation allows the fixed first member to provide stable mounting while the removable second member enables electrical connection access for maintenance without compromising the overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the switching device have different fixation characteristics: the first member has permanent fixation to ensure stability, while the second member has removable fixation to enable maintenance access. This local differentiation of fixation quality allows the system to simultaneously achieve both structural stability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3880930B1Electromechanical actuator and shading device comprising such an actuator
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3880930B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3880930B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3880930B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electromechanical actuator (8) comprises a housing (17), an electronic control unit (19) and a switching device (21). The switching device (21) comprises a first member (23) which is attached to a wall (39) of the housing (17) by means of removable attachment elements and arranged opposite an opening (40) of the wall (39), and a second member (24) which is movable relative to the first member (23). The electronic control unit (19) comprises a switch (41) and a printed circuit board (42). The switch (41) is actuated by means of the second member (24) through the opening (40) provided in the wall (39) and is assembled on the printed circuit board (42). The printed circuit board (42) comprises an electrical connection device (30) arranged opposite the opening (40) of the wall (39). Moreover, the electrical connection device (30) is accessible through the opening (40), after the first and second members (23, 24) are withdrawn from the wall (39), by removing the removable attachment elements.