Shutter Winding Control System with Dual Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installations for controlling the winding of screening screens around trees lack effective two-way communication, relying on wired connections and single sensors for position measurement, which increases costs and installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

The installation incorporates an actuator with an integrated electronic control module and a first position sensor, along with a separate external second position sensor in wireless communication with the control unit, allowing for dual independent or joint position measurement and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a wired connection is used between external sensor and control unit, then measurement capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection between external sensor and control unit with a wireless communication system. The external sensor communicates screen position data to the control unit via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wiring while maintaining measurement capability. This resolves the contradiction by preserving measurement precision while reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor is used for position detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor quantityVSAvoidposition measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual-sensor feedback system where both the integrated sensor (inside actuator) and external sensor provide position measurements to the control unit. The control unit can cross-validate data from both sensors, improving measurement reliability through redundant feedback paths while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If one-way communication is used from control unit to actuator, then communication simplicity is maintained, but feedback capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidfeedback information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a two-way communication system where the control unit sends control commands to the actuator and simultaneously receives feedback information (screen position data) from the external sensor. This bidirectional communication enables the control unit to monitor screen position in real-time and provide appropriate feedback, resolving the contradiction by adding minimal communication complexity while gaining essential feedback capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3035145B8Control system for the winding of a shutter
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA

AI summary

Installation (2) for controlling the winding of a privacy screen around a shaft (8), comprising an actuator (14) incorporating an electronic control module and a first screen position sensor connected to the electronic module. The installation also includes a control unit (34) adapted to transmit a command to the electronic module. The installation further includes a second shaft position sensor (44), separate from the first sensor and communicating with the control unit.