Motorized Solar Blind Recalibration Without Hard End-Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated solar protection systems with electronic counting devices face recalibration challenges, especially when manual operation occurs during power outages, leading to misalignment of blind positions, and lack a reliable method for awning blinds without hard end-stops.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment method that allows for recalibration of motorized solar protection installations using electronic counting devices, detecting and adapting to positions that can be assimilated to end-stops without user intervention, by measuring displacement differences and storing these values for accurate position recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic counting devices are used to determine blind position, then position tracking is improved, but recalibration reliability deteriorates when manual operation occurs during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical counting device that operates independently of the electronic system. This mechanical device continues to track position accurately during manual operation and power outages, serving as a reliable reference for recalibration. The mechanical counter acts as a mediator between the blind's actual position and the electronic control system, allowing the electronic system to be reset using the mechanical counter's accurate position data.
2Measurement precision
If hard end-stops are used for recalibration, then position reference is improved, but device complexity and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the end-stop function from a separate physical component and integrates it into the blind's fabric itself. The fabric's natural physical limits (fully retracted and fully extended positions) serve as the end-stops, eliminating the need for additional mechanical end-stop components. This reduces device complexity while maintaining accurate position reference points for recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the fabric itself as the end-stop mechanism rather than expensive durable mechanical components. The fabric's inherent properties (its ability to be fully wound or fully extended) provide the end-stop function, eliminating the need for separate mechanical end-stop parts that would add complexity and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensitivity thresholds are lowered to avoid damage, then safety is improved, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by stopping the blind's movement at a position slightly before the actual end-stop position. The control system detects the approach to the end-stop and initiates a stop command in advance, preventing the blind from reaching the position where damage could occur. This preliminary stopping action allows for lower sensitivity thresholds without sacrificing detection precision, as the system proactively prevents rather than reactively detects potential damage.
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
Enables precise and error-free recalibration of solar protection systems, protecting the installation from damage and maintaining accurate position tracking, even in the absence of hard end-stops, and can be applied to various blind types, including awning blinds.
Implementation Method 1
The recognition of such an end-stop is known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the patent EP 1 269 596 describes a device for stopping the motor when the load on the motor exceeds a determined value. It comprises means of transforming the variation of the voltage at the terminals of a phase-shift capacitor, corresponding to a determined torque variation, into a chosen variation of the voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting a motorized solar protection installation (1) comprising a screen (3) that can be displaced by activation of an actuator (6) provided with an electronic position counting device (7) and means (9) of detecting an obstacle to the movement, comprising the following steps:storage of a first end-of-travel position,displacement of the screen by activation of the actuator towards the first stored end-of-travel position, continued beyond the first stored end-of-travel position as far as a position that can be assimilated to an end-stop, detected by the means of detecting an obstacle to the movement,measurement of the position difference between the first stored end-of-travel position and the position that can be assimilated to an end-stop,storage of this measurement in memory.