Sliding Circuit Board Access in Tubular Blind Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices for fenestration covering arrangements face challenges in providing a space-saving and user-friendly solution for connecting electrical components to the circuit board, as access to connectors is often limited and difficult, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device features a circuit board displacer that allows the circuit board to move between a retracted and extended position, enabling easy access to electrical connectors through a service access opening, with a lid mechanism for protection and user-friendly connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If connectors are placed inside the elongated housing, then water protection and protection from foreign objects is improved, but access to connectors for connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is made movable relative to the housing through a displacement mechanism, allowing it to move between a retracted position (inside the housing for protection) and an extended position (partially outside for access). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling both protected storage and easy accessibility at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is nested within the housing structure, with the displacement mechanism allowing it to be partially extracted. This nesting approach maintains the compact form factor while enabling controlled access to connectors through the service access opening without compromising the protective enclosure.
2Volume of moving object
If the circuit board is placed inside the housing, then a compact form factor is achieved, but access to electrical connectors becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, moving between retracted and extended positions. This allows the system to maintain a compact form factor when the board is retracted while providing easy connector access when extended, resolving the space-saving versus accessibility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is functionally segmented into two zones: the electronic circuitry portion that remains inside the housing for compactness, and the connector portion that can be extended outside for access. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both compact form factor and connector accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are made accessible through an opening in the end wall, then connection ease is improved, but water protection and protection from foreign objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing permanent access through an opening, the circuit board itself moves to provide temporary access. The connectors are exposed only when the board is in the extended position, and protected when retracted, dynamically switching between accessibility and protection states.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board displacement mechanism serves dual purposes: it positions the circuit board for connector access while simultaneously providing the protective function. The board's movement itself creates the service access, eliminating the need for separate openings that would compromise protection.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an actuator device (10) for a fenestration covering arrangement (20). The actuator device (10) comprises an elongated, tubular housing (12, 50) with an interior space (12a). The elongated, tubular housing (12, 50) extends in a longitudinal direction (LD), and at least a drive arrangement (40) comprising an electric motor (41), and at least one circuit board (2) comprising electronic circuitry, are arranged in said interior space (12a). The circuit board (2) is arranged proximate a service access opening (4) located at a first housing end (E1) of the housing (12, 50). The actuator device (10) comprises a circuit board displacer (8), and the circuit board (2) is arranged at the circuit board displacer (8). The circuit board displacer (8) is configured to be displaced (DP1) relative to the housing (12, 50) in a first displacement direction from a retracted position (POS1) and to an extended position (POS2) so that the circuit board (2) is displaced towards the service access opening (4). The circuit board (2) comprises one or more electrical connectors (6a, 6b). The one or more electrical connectors (6a, 6b) is arranged proximate the first end (2E1) of the circuit board (2), and the first end (2E1) of the circuit board is arranged proximate the service access opening (4).