System and related methods for diagnosing operational performance of a motorized barrier operator

• US 20080224642A1
• Filed: 03/14/2007
• Published: 09/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HRH Newco Corporation
• Original Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
• Inventors: Rodriguez, Yan, VanDrunen, Paul J., Bennett, Thomas B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,592,767 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/466
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/40 Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/216 Clutches
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/244 by manual operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/248 characterised by the transmission
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/654 Cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/676 Transmission of human force
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/822 Light emitters, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages

Abstract

A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.

Claims

1. A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature, comprising:

a barrier movable between limit positions;

a counterbalance system coupled to said barrier;

a motor coupled to one of said counterbalance system and said barrier to assist in movement of said barrier;

a position detection device coupled to one of said barrier, said counterbalance system and said motor, wherein said position detection device generates a barrier position signal, and wherein one of said motor and said position detection device generates operational parameter values for said barrier moving in either direction; and

a controller receiving said operational parameter values and said barrier position signal, said controller comparing operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position, and generating a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controller stores said operational values.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said controller compares operational parameter values for barrier movement in a first direction to operational parameter values for barrier movement in a second direction.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said controller generates an alert diagnostic signal if the difference of said comparison is greater than a predetermined amount.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said alert diagnostic signal is proportional to the difference determined by said comparison.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said controller compares operational parameter values for barrier movement to predetermined values.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said controller generates an alert diagnostic signal if the difference of said comparison is greater than a predetermined amount.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said alert diagnostic signal is proportional to the difference determined by said comparison.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said diagnostic signal is selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a network signal.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said position detection device is one of a potentiometer, a pulse counter, and a commutator sensor.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a disconnect mechanism interposed between said motor and said counterbalance system so that said barrier can be moved manually without assistance from said motor, and wherein said position detection device is a potentiometer such that if said motor is disengaged from said counterbalance system and said barrier is manually moved, said controller generates said diagnostic signal based upon said barrier position signal generated by said potentiometer.

12. A method for diagnosing operational performance of an installed barrier system, comprising:

installing a barrier system which includes a motorized barrier operator system;

moving a barrier of said barrier system with said motorized barrier operator system and storing operational parameter values;

generating a position signal;

comparing said operational parameter values at a position corresponding to said position signal; and

generating a diagnostic signal based upon said comparing.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

storing operational parameter values for each direction of barrier movement.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

comparing said operational parameter values for barrier movement in a first direction to operational parameter values for barrier movement in a second direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

generating said diagnostic signal if the difference of said comparison is greater than a predetermined amount.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

comparing said operational parameter values for barrier movement to predetermined values.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

generating said position signal from a potentiometer coupled to said barrier operator system.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

generating said diagnostic signal in the form of one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a network signal.

19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

disconnecting said barrier from said motorized barrier operator system;

generating said position signal from a potentiometer as said barrier is manually moved; and

generating said diagnostic signal based upon said position signal generated by said potentiometer.