Motorized Shutter Control Unit Field Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorization systems for swing shutters with two motors integrated into a single box pose challenges in configuring the main and secondary motor functions, often requiring factory return for incorrect installations, as the components are inaccessible once the box is closed, leading to costly reconfiguration or disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that includes an electronic control unit for two motors with a remote control point allowing for initialization, sequence modification, and recording of changes, enabling reversal of motor activation sequences through ergonomic controls, simplifying the configuration process without additional costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motorization device is integrated into a single closed box, then the device structure is compact and finished, but the components become inaccessible for configuration and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing a configuration mode that allows users to set motor functions and activation sequences before the device is permanently installed or sealed. The electronic unit stores these configuration parameters, enabling the compact integrated design while maintaining configurability through preliminary setup procedures including factory configuration and field reconfiguration modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the motorization device is made to measure with specific main and secondary motor assignments, then the shutter configuration is optimized, but the installation cost increases and factory returns are required for incorrect configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter configurationVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the motor function assignments reversible and reconfigurable through an electronic configuration mode. The system can dynamically switch between different operational configurations (first motor as main/second as secondary, or vice versa) without physical reassembly or factory returns. This is achieved through software-controlled function assignment that can be modified in the field, eliminating the need for custom-made devices for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the electronic unit to store and switch between different configuration parameters including motor function assignments and activation sequences. The system can change operational parameters through configuration modes that modify how motors are controlled and sequenced, enabling the same physical device to adapt to different shutter configurations without manufacturing changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the activation sequence of motors is fixed during manufacturing, then the device is simple to produce, but it cannot be adjusted for different installation configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice productionVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the electronic unit to perform multiple functions: it can operate in factory configuration mode, field reconfiguration mode, and normal operation mode. The same hardware platform supports different motor assignments and activation sequences through software configuration, making a single device design suitable for multiple installation scenarios without requiring different manufactured versions.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2374975B1Method for configuring a device for motorising a home-automation facility provided with a shutter and a device for motorising a home-automation facility provided with a shutter
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2374975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2374975B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2374975B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Method for configuring a device (1) for motorizing a home automation installation (100) equipped with a closing shutter (5a, 5b) comprising a main leaf (5a) and a secondary leaf (5b), the motorization device (1) including an electronic unit (20) for controlling a first (Ma) and a second (Mb) motor, a remote control point (110) linked to the electronic unit, the first motor operating the main leaf and the second motor operating the secondary leaf, the electronic unit controlling the activation of the first and second motors according to a sequence including a time offset (To, Tf) between the activation of the first and second motors, characterized in that it includes a step of initializing the device, a step of modifying the sequence of motor activations and a step of recording this modification at the level of the electronic unit.