Tubular Actuation Device with Magnetic Encoder and Microswitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for barriers require laborious and non-intuitive setup procedures to determine end-of-travel positions, leading to lengthy installation times and complex, costly production processes.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a tubular gear motor, a control unit incorporating a magnetic encoder, and manually operable actuation means to mechanically actuate microswitches for detecting and memorizing end-of-travel positions, allowing for a simple and intuitive setup procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic end-of-travel devices with encoders are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to laborious setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects end-of-travel positions and stores them in memory without requiring manual intervention or complex setup procedures. The microswitches and encoder work together to self-calibrate the system during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical end-of-travel detection with an electromechanical system using microswitches and magnetic encoders, combining the simplicity of mechanical activation with the precision of electronic detection and memory storage.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical end-of-travel devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The microswitch acts as an intermediary between the mechanical movement of the barrier and the electronic encoder system, translating mechanical end-of-travel events into electronic signals that can be stored and recalled by the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mechanical microswitch activation with electronic encoder detection into a unified end-of-travel detection system, combining the advantages of both mechanical simplicity and electronic precision in a single integrated solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical end-of-travel devices are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end-of-travel detection system is segmented into independent functional modules: microswitches for mechanical detection, encoders for electronic measurement, and memory for data storage. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining precision.
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
Significantly reduces installation and setup times with a straightforward procedure, enabling easier production and use while maintaining a compact, modular design.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic encoder operatively associated with the tubular support and with the crown wheel in such a manner as to detect the number of revolutions performed by the gear motor
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation device for movement of a barrier comprising a gear motor adapted to transmit a rotary motion to a tubular support, integrally connected to said barrier and rotating with respect to a fixed support. The actuation device comprises actuation means manually operable by a user and reversibly movable between a position decoupled from, and a position coupled with, a microswitch to start/stop a detection procedure of an end-of-travel position for said gear motor.