Sliding Window Motor Drive Automatic Unlocking Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized drive systems for sliding windows lack the ability to automatically unlock the opening relative to the frame after a manual movement from a locked ajar position, posing safety risks and hindering quick access or exit, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes an electromechanical actuator with an electronic control unit and counting device, which automatically starts the electric motor to unlock the first locking device after manual movement to the locked ajar position, allowing for automatic deactivation of the locking mechanism without external command, enabling safe and quick opening or closing of the window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the first locking device maintains the opening in the locked ajar position after manual movement, then the window provides secure ventilation positioning, but the window cannot be quickly opened or closed in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure ventilation positioningVSAvoidquick opening or closing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects manual movement of the opening and triggers the electromechanical actuator to unlock the first locking device and move the opening to a desired position without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and initiating appropriate actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The counting device continuously monitors the position of the opening relative to the frame, preparing the control unit with advance information about manual movement. This preliminary detection enables the system to respond immediately when the opening is moved from the locked ajar position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If the electromechanical actuator requires external command to unlock, then the system maintains precise control, but the system cannot respond automatically to manual movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic unlockingVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counting device provides continuous feedback about the opening position to the control unit. When the control unit detects that the opening has been manually moved from the locked ajar position, it automatically triggers the electromechanical actuator to unlock and reposition the opening, creating a closed-loop automatic control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors the opening position via the counting device, detects manual movements, decides when unlocking is needed, and commands the electromechanical actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

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

3Ease of operation

If the window remains locked in the ajar position, then security is maintained, but user safety and convenience are compromised in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safety and convenienceVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic responsive state. The control unit continuously monitors opening position and automatically adjusts the locking state based on detected manual movements, making the security system adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively unlocks the first locking device when it detects manual movement, preventing the harmful situation where the window remains locked during emergencies. By anticipating the user's need to open or close the window quickly, the system eliminates the security risk before it becomes a problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Ensures safe and efficient operation by allowing automatic unlocking of the sliding window after manual movement from a locked ajar position, enhancing user safety and convenience by enabling quick access or exit, and facilitating automatic movement between open and closed positions.

Implementation Method 1

an electromechanical actuator, the electromechanical actuator comprising at least one electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3805492B1Method for controlling the operation of a motor drive of a sliding window for a building, associated window and home automation facility
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3805492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3805492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3805492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling the operation of a motorized drive device for a sliding window for a building includes a first movement step (E10) of an opening relative to a fixed frame from an open position to a locked half-open position, implemented manually, without electrically activating an electric motor of an electromechanical actuator, and a determination step (E30) of the manual movement and the attainment of the locked half-open position, by means of a counting device.Following the determination of the manual movement and the attainment of the locked half-open position, the method includes an automatic start-up step (E50) of the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator by means of an electronic control unit, so as to unlock a first locking device by movement of the opening relative to the fixed frame, implemented by the electrical activation of the electric motor.