Shading Power Supply Connector for Fast External Battery Recharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically operated blackout systems with photovoltaic panels require complex and risky disassembly for battery recharging when insufficient energy is supplied, especially during prolonged rainy weather or intensive use, due to the difficulty in accessing the battery connector.

Innovation Solution

A concealment system with a power supply device that includes a photovoltaic panel and a second connector accessible from outside the system, allowing easy connection of external power sources for rapid battery recharging without disassembly, featuring USB-C ®< connectors supporting PD and PPS technologies for efficient charging and data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the battery connector is made accessible for external charging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of damage during assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of battery rechargingVSAvoidrisk of damage to installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate connector solutions: a first connector for photovoltaic panel connection and a second connector for external power supply devices. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function and accessibility requirements, enabling easy external charging without compromising the integrity of the main installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second connector acts as an intermediary interface that enables external power supply connection without requiring disassembly of the main installation. This intermediary solution provides a safe and controlled access point for battery recharging, eliminating the need for complex assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If a USB-C connector with PD and PPS technologies is used, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging power deliveryVSAvoidconnector technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB-C connector with PD and PPS technologies provides multiple functions: high-power charging capability, adaptive power adjustment based on battery needs, and data exchange functionality. This multi-functional approach consolidates several capabilities into a single connector solution, reducing the need for multiple separate systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The PPS (Programmable Power Supply) technology dynamically adjusts charging parameters (voltage and current) based on the battery's state and requirements. This parameter adaptation enables optimized charging performance and reduced overheating without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple fixed-power connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables quick and simplified battery recharging through external power sources, reducing the risk of damage and extending battery life by optimizing charging with adjustable power delivery, while facilitating data exchange and system configuration.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical power supply device configured to recharge the battery, said device comprising at least one photovoltaic panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4390043B1Shading system with quick recharge connector
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4390043B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4390043B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4390043B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3

AI summary

A shading system comprising an actuator and a power supply, the actuator comprising an electric motor (4), a battery pack (8), and a control circuit (12), the power supply being configured to recharge the battery pack, said power supply comprising a housing, a photovoltaic (PV) panel mounted on one face of the housing, and a power supply interface unit (14) configured to manage the charging of the battery pack (8) by the photovoltaic (PV) panel, said photovoltaic (PV) panel being connected to the power supply interface unit (14) by a first connector (C1). The power supply has a second connector (C2) connected to the power supply interface unit (14) to allow connection to an external power supply device to recharge the battery (8) instead of the photovoltaic (PV) panel.