Skylight Control Unit Battery Conservation via Sensor Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Skylights powered by batteries with photovoltaic recharge face issues with rapid battery depletion due to high electricity consumption by rain sensors and frequent manual operation, leading to operational failures, especially in unfavorable atmospheric conditions, and lack of charge status indication to users.
Innovation Solution
A method and independent control unit that optimize the operation of skylights by reducing power absorption through strategic sensor activation and limited electric heating of rain sensors, using a programmable logic unit to manage motor operation and indicate charge status, ensuring reliable opening and closing even when batteries are low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rain sensor is constantly heated to prevent frost or dew formation, then the sensor can accurately detect rain, but the accumulator charge duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by heating the rain sensor only during specific periods when frost or dew formation is likely (nighttime or cold conditions) rather than constant heating. The control unit activates the heating element based on temperature thresholds and time of day, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter from constant to conditional based on temperature readings. The control unit monitors temperature and only activates heating when the temperature drops below a predetermined threshold, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sensor functionality in critical conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the skylight is opened and closed repeatedly at short intervals, then the user can control the skylight according to needs, but the accumulators run down quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit monitor the operational state and timing of skylight operations. The system tracks how frequently the skylight is opened and closed, and when a threshold is exceeded within a specific time period, the control unit prevents further automatic operations and requires manual intervention, thereby preventing excessive battery consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control system adaptive - it changes its behavior based on usage patterns. The system starts with automatic control enabled but dynamically switches to manual-only mode after detecting repeated short-interval operations, balancing user convenience with battery conservation.
3Reliability
If the independent control unit operates automatically with sensors, then the skylight can close automatically in rain or wind, but the accumulators may run down in unfavorable atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by having the control unit monitor both sensor inputs and accumulator charge levels. When the charge level drops below a threshold, the system provides feedback to the user and disables automatic sensor-triggered operations, requiring manual control mode. This ensures the automatic closing function remains available when energy is sufficient but conserves battery when charge is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control mode flexible - the system can switch between automatic sensor-controlled operation and manual operation based on accumulator charge levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between automatic safety features and battery conservation based on real-time energy availability.
4Loss of energy
If the accumulators run down, then power is saved, but the skylight cannot be opened or closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a warning system that alerts the user before the accumulators are fully depleted. The control unit monitors charge levels and provides advance warning, giving the user time to manually operate the skylight or recharge the system before complete power loss occurs, thus maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a buffer zone through the warning system. When charge levels drop to a critical threshold, the system warns the user and restricts automatic operations, providing a cushion of time and awareness that prevents complete power depletion and ensures the skylight can still be manually operated if needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Extends the life of accumulator charge, enhances operational reliability by preventing unnecessary battery drain and reducing the risk of skylights being stuck open or closed, and provides user alerts for charge status, ensuring safer and more efficient skylight operation.
Implementation Method 1
batteries of electric accumulators with photovoltaic recharge
Implementation Method 2
powering the electric heating means (7) of the rain sensor (6')
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for opening the cover (2) of an opening element (1) installed in buildings, comprising: a base (3) that delimits an opening (A) made in a building (B); a cover (2) hinged to the base (3); one electric motor (4) for opening and closing the cover (2); manual means (5; 5a) for controlling the electric motor (4); automatic means (6) for controlling the electric motor (4), comprising a first sensor (6') for detecting the presence of rain or humidity, provided with electric heating means (7), and a second sensor (6") for detecting the presence of wind; an independent unit (8) for controlling the cover (2), said method comprising the following operations: verifying whether the sensors (6', 6") are active or not; if both sensors (6', 6") are inactive, starting the electric motor (4) to open the cover (2) completely; if the first sensor (6') is active and the second sensor (6") is inactive, starting the electric motor (4) to lift the cover (2) to a predefined height (X); stopping the motor (4); powering the electric heating means (7) of the first sensor (6'); opening the cover (2) completely if the first sensor (6') is inactive.