Roller Shutter Choreography for Selective Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar protection installations, such as rolling shutter systems, lack ergonomic control options, making it difficult for users to selectively manage projection, deprojection, rising, or descending of the shutter while maintaining a secure and reliable operation, especially when encountering obstacles during closure.

Innovation Solution

A method for implementing a solar protection installation with a maneuvering device that defines different reference positions and zones for choreographies, allowing the apron to be controlled through predetermined movements based on initial positions and configurations, enabling users to easily control projection, deprojection, rising, or descending of the shutter, and ensuring secure locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional rolling shutter mechanism is used with fixed projection arms, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot selectively control projection, deprojection, rising, or descending movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective control of shutter movementsVSAvoidmaneuvering device with multiple reference positions and zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the projection arms movable rather than fixed. The arms can transition between retracted and projected positions, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables selective control of different shutter movements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The maneuvering device is segmented into distinct functional zones (reference positions and zones) that can be independently controlled. Each zone corresponds to specific operational modes (projection, deprojection, rising, descending), allowing users to selectively activate only the needed movements rather than controlling the entire system as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the projection arms are made movable to enable selective control, then operational versatility is improved, but the risk of obstacles during closure and increased closing force may arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective control of projection, deprojection, rising, descendingVSAvoidsecure operation when encountering obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by defining multiple reference positions and zones before actual shutter operation. The projection arms are positioned in advance to appropriate reference points, and the system checks for obstacles in predetermined zones before initiating closure movements. This preventive approach allows the system to avoid obstacles rather than react to them during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The maneuvering device incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position of projection arms and detect obstacles in reference zones. This feedback allows the control system to adjust operations in real-time, stopping or reversing movements when obstacles are detected, thereby maintaining reliable and secure operation despite the added versatility of movable arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If multiple reference positions and zones are defined for choreographies, then ergonomic control is enhanced, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic control through predetermined choreographiesVSAvoidadjustment of reference positions and zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service through automated choreography execution. Once reference positions and zones are initially set, the control system automatically manages the complex coordination of projection arms and shutter movements. Users benefit from ergonomic, simplified control interfaces that execute predetermined sequences without requiring manual adjustment of each parameter during operation, reducing the burden on users despite the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2806096B1Method for implementing a closure or sun-protection facility, and corresponding facility

Publication Date: 2016.10.12 SOMFY SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for implementing a shutter or sun protection system (1), in particular of the roller shutter type, comprising a frame (2), a curtain (3) including at least one stop element, and an operating device (AE, C, 25) for the projection of the curtain (3) relative to the frame (2). The operating device (AE, C, 25) includes means (AE) for driving the curtain (3) and movable means (C) for attaching the stop element. The process is characterized in that when the operating device (AE, C, 25) receives an order to raise, project or deproject the deck (3), the drive means (AE) move the deck (3) according to a predetermined choreography which is a function, at the start of this choreography, on the one hand, of the initial position of the stop element in relation to the hooking means (C) and, on the other hand, of the projected or unprojected configuration of the installation (1).