Speed adjustment control apparatus, electronic lifting mechanism, and electronic massaging mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric lift mechanisms lack intuitive variable-speed control, relying on complex gear systems and limited speed positions, which restricts speed variation and increases product complexity.

Innovation Solution

A variable-speed control arrangement comprising an operating unit and a control unit with an information processing module, operation detecting module, and motor control module, which detects action variations to adjust motor speed intuitively, eliminating the need for gear selectors and simplifying the product structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gear selector switches or multi-gear toggle switches are used for speed control, then limited speed positions can be achieved, but the product structure becomes complex and operation becomes non-intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed variation rangeVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical gear selector switches with a touch-sensitive operating unit that directly controls motor speed through capacitive sensing. The detection module senses touch position and intensity to continuously vary motor speed without mechanical gears, eliminating the need for complex gear position detection ports and simplifying the overall control structure while enabling continuous speed variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an operating unit with detection module as an intermediary between user input and motor control. This intermediary translates touch gestures into speed control commands, providing intuitive operation while the control module processes the signals to achieve continuous speed variation without requiring complex mechanical gear systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control ports and detection ports are added to match gear positions, then more speed positions can be controlled, but the product structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of speed positionsVSAvoidnumber of control ports
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating unit serves multiple functions: it detects touch position to determine speed level, detects touch intensity to determine acceleration, and provides intuitive user interaction. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control ports and detection ports for each gear position, simplifying the product structure while enabling continuous speed variation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control and detection functions into a single integrated operating unit with a detection module. Instead of having separate control ports and detection ports for each gear position, the system combines these functions into one touch-sensitive interface that continuously varies speed based on touch parameters, reducing the number of components and simplifying the product structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If fixed speed control is used, then the product structure remains simple, but the lift performance cannot be fully optimized for high acceleration scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelift acceleration performanceVSAvoidspeed control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed control where the motor speed is not fixed but continuously adjustable based on real-time detection of user touch gestures. The system adapts the speed profile during operation, enabling high acceleration upon actuation and continuous speed variation to optimize lift performance for different scenarios, transitioning from static fixed-speed control to dynamic variable-speed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection module provides real-time feedback on user touch input, and the control module uses this feedback to continuously adjust motor speed. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to user intentions and optimize acceleration performance dynamically, allowing the lift to achieve maximum exploitation of performance potential while maintaining a relatively simple structure through electronic rather than mechanical feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 continuous speed variation and simplifies the product structure by allowing intuitive motor speed control through detection of action variations, enhancing lift performance and user experience in electric lift and massaging mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the operation detecting module comprises a pressure sensor provided in a stressed zone of the paddle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the pressure sensor is a piezoresistive transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 4

the pressure sensor comprises a conductive elastic member, wherein deformation of the conductive elastic member results in a change to resistive value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance change through deformation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 5

the operation detecting module comprises a magnetically inductive sensor and a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 6

the operation detecting module comprises a rotating encoder that is fixed in the third shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational encoding:

Data Source

PatentEP4005436A1Speed adjustment control apparatus, electronic lifting mechanism, and electronic massaging mechanism
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 ZHEJIANG JIECHANG LINEAR MOTION TECH
  • EP4005436A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4005436A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4005436A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are a speed-variable control arrangement, an electric lift mechanism, and an electric massaging mechanism. The speed-variable control arrangement includes an information processing module, an operation detecting module electrically connected to the operating unit, and a motor control module electrically connected to the motor, the operation detecting module and the motor control module being electrically connected to the information processing module; the operation detecting module detects an action variation quantity of the operating unit and transmits the detection result to the information processing module; the information processing module obtains a corresponding motor speed variation quantity based on the detection result and transmits the obtained motor speed variation quantity to the motor control module; and the motor control module changes the motor speed based on the motor speed variation quantity. As such, Speed control becomes more intuitive. As the speed control is not restricted by limited gear positions, continuous speed variation is achieved. Further, due to elimination of a speed selector switch that would require matched control and detection ports, the product structure is simplified.