Swing Gate Actuator Sensor Adjustment via Segmented Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized drive devices for swing gates lack a simple and ergonomic method for adjusting end positions, requiring complex disassembly and lacking easy access for calibration.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an electromechanical actuator with an electronic control unit, magnetic detection sensors, and a self-learning process that allows adjustment of sensor positions without disassembling the actuator, using a cover removal and screw-based positioning for easy access and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sensor is positioned inside the housing between the second part and the cover, then the sensor is protected and integrated into the structure, but the sensor becomes difficult to access for adjustment and calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of sensor for adjustmentVSAvoidhousing structure integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first part containing the electric motor and a second part containing the motion transmission system, with the sensor positioned at the interface between these two parts. This segmentation allows the sensor to be accessible from the exterior while maintaining its integrated position within the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is positioned at the interface between the second part of the housing and the cover, creating an intermediary access point. This allows adjustment of the sensor without requiring complete disassembly of the housing, as the sensor can be accessed by removing only the cover or by sliding the hood.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the electromechanical actuator is fully assembled with the cover in place, then the device is protected and structurally complete, but adjustment of the sensor requires disassembly of the actuator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sensor adjustmentVSAvoiddisassembly requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hood is designed to slide relative to the second part of the housing, providing dynamic access to the sensor. This allows the hood to be moved to expose the sensor for adjustment while maintaining the overall assembled structure of the actuator, eliminating the need for complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is pre-positioned at the interface between the second part and the cover, where it can be accessed by simply removing the cover. This preliminary positioning allows for easy adjustment during installation and maintenance without requiring complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of stationary object

If the sensor is located deep within the housing, then the internal structure is compact, but the sensor is not easily accessible for positioning and calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing internal space utilizationVSAvoidsensor accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is positioned at the interface between the second part and the cover, utilizing the third dimension of the housing structure. This positioning allows the sensor to be accessible from the exterior while maintaining compact internal arrangement, as the sensor lies on the boundary surface between internal components and external access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 straightforward, ergonomic adjustment of end positions with easy access, ensuring accurate calibration without dismantling the actuator, improving usability and precision in setting swing gate positions.

Implementation Method 1

The first sensor is a magnetic sensing sensor, the first sensor being configured to cooperate with the magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3418483B1Method for adjusting a motorised drive device for a swinging gate
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3418483B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3418483B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3418483B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for adjusting a motorized drive device for a swing gate includes a step of removing a cover (22) of an electromechanical actuator (4) from a second part (19) of a housing of the actuator (4), a step of moving a screen of the swing gate by means of the motorized drive device to a first end-of-travel position, a step of moving a first end-of-travel position sensor (24a), disposed between the second part (19) of the housing and the cover (22), from the second part (19) of the housing towards a magnet (25), mounted on a moving element (15) of a motion transmission system (11) of the actuator (4), a step of indicating the positioning of the first sensor (24a) opposite the magnet (25),a step of maintaining the position of the first sensor (24a) relative to the second part (19) of the housing and a step of assembling the cover (22) relative to the second part (19) of the housing.