Architectural Covering Sleep-Wake Tracking for Manual Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Architectural coverings with motorized and manual operation modes face challenges in accurately tracking the position of the covering, especially when manually adjusted, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an engaging/disengaging clutch and position tracking devices that allow the electric motor to be decoupled from the drive shaft when not in use, enabling manual operation without torque resistance and reducing power consumption by powering down electrical components during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric motor is permanently coupled to the drive shaft to enable motorized operation, then motorized operation is reliable, but manual operation encounters torque resistance and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically changes the coupling state between the motor and drive shaft based on operation mode. When manually operated, the clutch disengages the motor from the drive shaft, eliminating torque resistance. When motorized operation is needed, the clutch re-engages the connection. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system configuration to the current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct operational modes (manual and motorized) that can be independently selected. The clutch divides the power transmission path, allowing the motor to be isolated from the drive shaft during manual operation. This segmentation enables each mode to function optimally without interference from the other.
2Measurement precision
If electrical components remain powered to track covering position continuously, then position tracking is accurate, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the electrical components and position tracking devices are activated periodically or on-demand based on operational needs. The system powers down these components during idle periods when neither manual nor motorized operation is occurring, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic power management that activates electrical components only when operation is detected or required. The position tracking system serves itself by entering low-power states during idle periods and automatically reactivating when operational conditions warrant, eliminating the need for continuous power supply while maintaining functional accuracy.
3Reliability
If the motor operates continuously to maintain covering position, then positioning is maintained, but operational life decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the power transmission path through the clutch mechanism during periods when its function is not needed. By disconnecting the motor from the drive shaft during manual operation and idle periods, the motor and associated electrical components experience reduced wear and tear, extending their operational life while maintaining the ability to provide motorized operation when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method comprising powering down, prior to transitioning to a sleep mode, a position tracking device configured to generate output data indicating a position of at least one of a covering or a motor. The method further comprising transitioning from an operational mode to the sleep mode, the sleep mode associated with a lower power consumption than the operational mode. The method further comprising exiting the sleep mode based on a trigger and powering up, after exiting the sleep mode, the position tracking device. The method further comprising receiving the output data from the position tracking device. The method further comprising determining whether the position has changed since the transitioning to the sleep mode. The method further comprising continuing to operate outside of the sleep mode if the position has changed, or returning to the sleep mode if the position has not changed.