Single-Output Actuator Integration in Movable Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blackout devices with electromechanical actuators have high costs due to the use of dual-output drive shafts that extend outside the movable bars, complicating integration and increasing production expenses.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a single-output electromechanical actuator within the movable bar, utilizing a rotatable coupling support and output shaft, eliminates the need for drive shafts outside the bar, simplifying assembly and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dual-output electromechanical actuators with drive shafts extending outside the movable bars are used, then the blackout device can achieve movement functionality, but the production cost increases and integration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoiddrive shaft structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the drive shaft component from the system by using a single-output electromechanical actuator with internal gear mechanism. The actuator's output shaft directly engages with the movable bar through a coupling mechanism, removing the need for separate drive shafts that extend outside the movable bars, thereby simplifying integration and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-output electromechanical actuator performs multiple functions: it provides rotational motion, transmits torque through the output shaft, and interfaces with the movable bar via the coupling support. This multi-functional design replaces the dual-output actuator system, reducing component count and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining movement functionality.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If dual-output electromechanical actuators are used, then movement of movable bars is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidactuator performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses standard single-output electromechanical actuators with internal gear mechanisms instead of custom dual-output actuators. These conventional actuators are more readily available, easier to manufacture, and less expensive while achieving the same functional result through proper mechanical coupling, thus reducing production costs without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If drive shafts extend outside the movable bars, then torque transmission is achieved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidintegration structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention nests the output shaft and coupling support mechanisms inside the movable bar structure. The actuator is positioned within the movable bar, and the output shaft engages with internal components through the coupling support, eliminating the need for external drive shafts. This nested arrangement simplifies assembly by containing all moving parts within the movable bar's boundary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4345243B1Darkening device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4345243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4345243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4345243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A blinding device (3) comprises a screen (2), a movable bar (8a), and a motorized drive device (5). One end (2a) of the screen (2) is connected to the bar (8a). The motorized drive device (5) comprises an electromechanical actuator (11a), housed inside the bar (8a) and configured to move the bar (8a). The actuator (11a) includes a coupling bracket (21) and a single output shaft (20). The bracket (21) is located at the first end (11c) of the actuator (11a) and is rotatable within the bar (8). Furthermore, the output shaft (20) is located at the second end (11d) of the actuator (11a) and is rotatable within the bar (8a).