Sun Protection Drive Unit With Switch and Radio Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive units for sun protection and privacy protection systems lack flexibility and cannot be operated via radio remote control.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a control unit with a module for receiving and processing radio signals, allowing the drive motor to be actuated via both a switch and radio commands, and connecting it upstream of the drive motor to enable integration into a smart home network using standardized communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a control unit with radio signal processing is integrated into the drive unit, then the drive motor can be operated via radio remote control and integrated into smart home networks, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes radio signals according to various protocols (Matter, Thread, KNX-RF, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi), handles switch commands, controls the drive motor in both directions, and enables integration into different smart home networks. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating diverse capabilities into a single control unit, improving adaptability while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control unit inputs are connected to the switch for both local and remote control, then the system can process both switch commands and radio commands, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual control capabilityVSAvoidinput connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the switch and the drive motor. It receives both local switch commands and remote radio commands, processes them according to priority settings, and controls the drive motor accordingly. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by providing a centralized processing point that handles multiple input sources without requiring separate control circuits for each input type, thus managing complexity while enabling dual control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit incorporates dynamic priority assignment between different control inputs. The priority of switch commands versus radio commands can be changed during operation based on system state or user preferences. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, resolving the contradiction by providing flexible control over how multiple inputs are handled without requiring fixed complex wiring for each possible configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the control unit is connected upstream of the drive motor between the switch and the drive motor, then the drive motor can be controlled by both the switch and the control unit, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is integrated into the existing control circuit between the switch and the drive motor, merging the new radio control functionality with the existing switch control infrastructure. Rather than creating a separate parallel control system, the control unit is positioned to receive inputs from the switch and outputs to the drive motor, consolidating control functions into a single integrated component. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation through unified control while minimizing installation complexity by utilizing the existing circuit topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4636218A1Drive unit for sun protection and privacy protection systems
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 GRIESSER HOLDING AG
  • EP4636218A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636218A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636218A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive unit for sun protection and privacy screening systems, comprising a drive motor (30) which can be actuated by means of a switch (10) for switching off and for operating the drive motor (30) in a first direction of rotation and a second opposite direction of rotation, wherein a control unit (20) is connected upstream of the drive motor (30), wherein the control unit (20) has a module for receiving and processing radio signals (40), wherein the control unit (20) has a plurality of inputs which can be connected to the switch (10), and wherein switching off and controlling the drive motor (30) in the first direction of rotation and the second opposite direction of rotation takes place by means of the control unit (20) as a function of an actuation of the switch (10) and/or as a function of received radio commands (40).Furthermore, the invention relates to a sun protection or privacy protection system with such a drive unit, wherein the control unit is designed to receive and process radio signals (40) according to one or more radio protocols, in particular radio signals according to one or more standardized radio protocols.