Somfy‘s patent describes a method for controlling shading devices using an electromechanical actuator. The method involves monitoring power consumption or torque during screen movement, adjusting the actuator’s speed based on predetermined thresholds to optimize energy use, and ensuring efficient operation without exceeding battery limits. GlobalData’s report on Somfy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Somfy, Smart windows was a key innovation area identified from patents. Somfy's grant share as of July 2024 was 72%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for controlling shading device's electromechanical actuator power consumption
The granted patent US12054987B2 outlines a method for controlling the operation of a shading device, which includes a screen and a motorized drive device. The motorized drive device features an electromechanical actuator, an electronic control unit, and an electrical energy supply device, which consists of a battery with multiple energy storage elements. The method involves executing the movement of the screen through electrical activation of the actuator, measuring operational data such as power consumption or torque, and comparing this data against a predetermined threshold. If the measured data meets or exceeds this threshold, the method allows for the reduction of the actuator's rotational speed to manage power consumption effectively, ensuring that the device operates within specified limits.
Additionally, the method incorporates iterative steps of determining, comparing, and adjusting the rotational speed setpoint based on the measured data until a second predetermined speed threshold is reached. The system can adaptively maintain or modify the speed setpoint based on real-time measurements, allowing for efficient energy use. The shading device may also include features such as a photovoltaic panel for energy supply and a winding tube for rolling the screen. The claims further specify that the method can be tailored based on various conditions, enhancing its versatility in different operational scenarios, particularly during upward movements of the screen.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
