Automated Window Motor Lockdown via Electric Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window automation systems require costly replacement of existing frames for motorized control, which is beyond the skill level and budget of typical homeowners, and there is a need for a retrofit mechanism that allows simple installation of motorized control for existing sliding windows.
Innovation Solution
An automated window mechanism with an electric motor attached to a sliding panel, featuring a locked state where the motor and panel are stationary, and a monitor that detects external forces to ground the motor leads, rendering it as an electric brake to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complete replacement of existing window frame is used for motorized control, then the window automation function is achieved, but the cost and construction skill requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The window automation system is divided into separate functional modules: a motor unit, a transmission mechanism, and mounting components that can be independently installed on existing windows without replacing the entire frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
A retrofit mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor unit and the existing window frame, enabling motorized control through attachment to the window sash or frame without requiring frame replacement
2Reliability
If the electric motor is locked to prevent unauthorized movement, then security is improved, but the ability to respond to external forces (such as emergency opening) may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state when external forces are detected, allowing the system to adapt between security mode and emergency response mode based on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor detects external forces before they can compromise security, and the controller preemptively unlocks the motor or activates the brake release mechanism to prevent unauthorized movement while allowing legitimate emergency access
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 cost-effective and skill-level-friendly retrofitting of motorized control for existing sliding windows, effectively preventing unauthorized movement and ensuring secure and automated window operation.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor grounds the positive lead and the negative lead to a same electric potential thereby rendering the electric motor an electric brake impeding the external force from moving the sliding panel
Data Source
AI summary
An automated window mechanism having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor detecting the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state, the positive lead and the negative lead are grounded, rendering the electric motor an electric brake. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.