Motorized Shutter Assembly with Mechanical Fuse Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorization assemblies for swing shutters are prone to damage due to excessive torque from forces such as wind or obstacles, as the kinematic chain, including the motor and transmission device, cannot always protect against brutal forces, leading to potential slippage or degradation of components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a mechanical fuse between the motor and the shutter leaf, which breaks under predefined excessive torque, disconnecting the force transmission and preventing damage to the motor and transmission device, along with an electronic control unit for monitoring and stopping the motor when forces exceed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical transmission device is used to transmit motor movement to shutter leaves, then the shutter can be automated and controlled, but the transmission device becomes vulnerable to damage from excessive torque caused by wind, obstacles, or forced intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic monitoring means that detect excessive forces before they can damage the transmission device. The system continuously monitors torque or force during shutter operation and activates protective action in advance when thresholds are approached, preventing damage before it occurs rather than relying on mechanical failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through electronic monitoring means that continuously measure force or torque during shutter operation. When the detected force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically stops the motor, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions and prevents transmission device damage.
2Reliability
If electronic monitoring means are used to detect excessive force, then the motor can be stopped to prevent damage, but the transmission device remains vulnerable to brutal forces that exceed electronic response capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical fuse as an intermediary protective element between the transmission device and the shutter leaf. This mechanical component acts as a passive safety device that physically breaks or disengages when subjected to excessive force, providing protection that operates independently of electronic systems and cannot be overridden by control failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fuse is designed as a sacrificial component that is intended to fail under extreme conditions to protect more valuable parts of the transmission device. This disposable protective element can be replaced after activation, providing an economical way to protect expensive motors and transmission mechanisms from catastrophic failure.
3Volume of moving object
If the hexagonal connection between transmission shaft and arm is used for compact design, then space is saved, but the connection becomes vulnerable to degradation and slippage under significant torque
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic monitoring system detects excessive torque before it can degrade the hexagonal connection. By stopping the motor when force thresholds are exceeded, the system prevents the gradual degradation and slippage that would otherwise occur in the compact hexagonal connection under sustained high torque conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the torque transmitted through the hexagonal connection and automatically stops the motor when predetermined thresholds are exceeded, preventing degradation of the connection while maintaining the compact design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Motorization assembly (10) for a hinged shutter (5) comprising at least one first electromechanical module (M1), the first electromechanical module (M1) comprising at least one first electric motor (MA), the motorization assembly comprising at least one mechanical linkage (LM) comprising a first part (LM1) and a second part (LM2), the mechanical linkage (LM) comprising - a mechanical transmission device (8a, 8b), - a transmission shaft (70) at the output of the mechanical transmission device (8a, 8b), - an arm (9a, 9b), the first electric motor (MA) being configured to be connected, in the assembled configuration of the motorization assembly, via the mechanical linkage (LM) and to a leaf (5a, 5b) of the shutter (5) so as to drive the leaf (5a, 5b) upon electrical activation of the first electric motor (MA), characterized in that the mechanical linkage (LM) further comprises a mechanical fuse (200),the mechanical fuse (200) comprising a fuse body (202), connected to the first part (LM1) of the mechanical linkage (LM) and at least one breakable portion (211, 212, 213, 214) connected to the fuse body (202), the at least one breakable portion being configured to cooperate with a receiving area (221, 222, 223, 224) of the second part (LM2) of the mechanical linkage (LM).