Automated window mechanism with pinch protection
AssigneeHall Labs LLC
InventorsDavid R. Hall, Jerome Miles
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is systems and methods of operating a window with an automated window mechanism. The systems and methods include moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window. The sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone. The method also includes in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.
Claims19
An automated window mechanism, comprising:
- a motor coupled to a window and configured to move the window relative to a window frame, the window having a defined path of motion including a first end point and a second end point;
- a force measurement component operably coupled to the motor and configured to measure a force exerted by the motor as defined by one or more of current, voltage, or velocity of the motor;
- a processor;
- and
- memory storing one or more computer-readable instructions executable by the processor to perform acts comprising:
- storing a force map defined as a force as a function of position of the window relative to the frame, wherein deviation from the force map is monitored by a polling component having a predetermined polling rate for checks of deviation from the force map, and wherein deviation from the force map by more than a predetermined tolerance causes the motor to stop;
- and
- upon reaching a proximate closing zone a predefined distance from one or more of the first or second end points, instructing the motor to operate in a safe state.
A system for an automated window mechanism, comprising:
- a force measuring component measuring forces in a motor, the motor being connected to a movable window to move the movable window along a window path;
- a processor;
- and
- a memory storing computer-readable instructions that when executed by the processor to perform acts, the acts comprising:
- measuring a force deviation from an expected value at one of a plurality of positions along the window path;
- and
- limiting movement of the movable window based, at least in part, upon the force deviation.
A method of operating a window with an automated window mechanism, the method comprising:
- moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window, wherein the sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone;
- and
- in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.