Rolling Shutter Drive System with Automatic Spring Preload Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for rolling shutters or doors with pre-loaded springs face challenges in precisely and simply resetting the spring preload after energy release, particularly in emergency operations and power outages.
Innovation Solution
A drive system incorporating a disengageable device with a torsion spring and a limit switch mechanism that allows precise detection of torque peaks to automatically stop the motor at the correct number of revolutions, enabling simple and precise re-tensioning of the spring, and includes features like damping, safety systems, and monitoring to ensure proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-tensioned spring system is used to raise the curtain during power outage, then the curtain can be operated without power, but the spring must be manually pre-tensioned again after energy release which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically pre-tensions the spring using the electric motor after the curtain has been lowered by spring energy release. The microcontroller detects when the curtain is at the bottom position and automatically activates the motor to rewind the spring a predetermined number of turns, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pre-tensioning of the spring by automatically winding it a predetermined number of turns using the electric motor before emergency operation is needed. This preliminary action ensures the spring is ready for immediate use during power outages without requiring manual setup.
2Reliability
If the spring is pre-tensioned by rotating it a certain number of times manually, then the spring energy can be reset, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of pre-tensioning the spring with an automated electromechanical system. The microcontroller controls the electric motor to automatically rotate the spring a predetermined number of turns, substituting human labor with automated control and significantly reducing the time required for spring reset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors (such as reed switches or Hall effect sensors) to detect when the curtain reaches the bottom position and when the spring has been pre-tensioned for the predetermined number of turns. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate and reliable spring reset while automating the process to improve productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a disengageable pre-tensioned spring system is used, then the spring energy can be released to raise the curtain, but the system requires complex engagement and disengagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic clutch mechanism that can automatically engage and disengage based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the clutch engages to connect the motor to the spring winding mechanism. During emergency operation or power outage, the clutch automatically disengages to allow the spring to release energy and raise the curtain without motor interference, providing adaptive operation with reduced complexity.
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 efficient and reliable operation of rolling shutters or doors by ensuring precise spring preload, allowing for automatic energy release and re-tensioning, ensuring safe and reliable operation even in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring (25) which drives the rotating element (9) around a central axis (X)
Implementation Method 2
a threaded rod (27) fixed in rotation to the main shaft (7)... a slider (29) screwed in helical connection to the threaded rod (27)
Implementation Method 3
means for damping the slider's stop against the integral element of the main shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This drive system (1) for rotating a winding member (11) of a roll-up closing screen apron comprises an actuator (3) driving a main shaft (7), a rotating element (9) rotatably secured to the winding member (11), a torsion spring (25), and a disengageable device (2). In the disengaged configuration, the torsion spring (25) is suitable for being preloaded by a relative rotation between the main shaft (7) and the rotating element (9), and the previously preloaded torsion spring (25) drives the rotating element (9) in rotation such that the apron is driven towards a rolled-up configuration. This system also comprises a threaded rod (27) rotatably secured to the main shaft (7) and a slider (29) screwed onto the threaded rod (27) and rotationally fixed relative to the winding member (11) such that the slider (29) is able to move in translation between a first position, in which the spring (25) is not preloaded and the actuator (3) is free to preload the spring (25) by means of free rotation between the main shaft (7) and the rotating element (9), and a second position, in which the spring (25) is preloaded and the slider (29) abuts against an element (31) secured to the main shaft (7) such that the actuator (3) is automatically stopped.