Shutter End Profile Obstacle Detection Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection devices, such as roller shutters and mosquito nets, face challenges in accurately distinguishing between an obstacle and a limit switch, leading to unreliable motor control and inappropriate responses.
Innovation Solution
The end profile of the apron includes separate means for detecting obstacles and end-of-travel positions, connected to the motor control system, allowing for distinct and precise control of the motor's operation based on the nature of the detected entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single deformable means is used to detect both obstacles and end-of-travel positions, then the device structure is simplified, but the reliability of distinguishing between obstacles and limit switches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent detection means: a first deformable means for detecting obstacles and a second deformable means for detecting end-of-travel positions. This segmentation allows each means to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the ambiguity present in single-means systems where obstacle detection reliability deteriorated.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from both detection means and processes them to determine the nature of contact. The control unit compares the states of both deformable means to distinguish between obstacle contact (first means deformed, second means not deformed) and end-of-travel contact (both means deformed), thereby resolving the reliability issue.
2Measurement precision
If complex signal processing means are used to determine the nature of contact, then the ability to distinguish obstacles from limit switches improves, but the device complexity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex signal processing on a single signal, the system segments the detection function into two separate physical detection means. This physical segmentation simplifies the signal processing task to basic state comparison, reducing both device complexity and processing requirements while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two separate deformable means that physically replicate the detection function twice with different purposes. The first means copies the obstacle detection function, while the second means copies the end-of-travel detection function. This redundancy with specialized functions simplifies processing compared to complex analysis of a single multi-functional signal.
3Device complexity
If a single deformable means is used for obstacle detection, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to provide appropriate motor control responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into specialized detection means: the first deformable means specifically for obstacle detection and the second for end-of-travel detection. This segmentation enables the control unit to provide differentiated motor control responses: immediate stop for obstacles versus controlled stopping for end-of-travel positions, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each deformable means is positioned and configured with local quality specific to its function. The first means is positioned to detect obstacles during apron deployment, while the second means is positioned to detect end-of-travel positions. This local optimization enables appropriate motor control responses for each specific detection scenario.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The profile (12) has an electrical driving motor for driving a unit, which permits deployment and folding of an apron (5). An obstacle detection unit (15) detects an obstacle on a path of an apron and connected to a control unit (18) to control the stopping of the motor when the obstacle is detected. An end of course detection unit (19) e.g. strain gauge, detects an end of course of apron`s deployment and is connected to the control unit for controlling the stopping of the motor when the end of course is detected.