Rolling shutter motors convert electrical energy into mechanical power that rolls the curtain up or down. They operate on the basis of an electric impulse from a wall switch, remote control or home automation system.
Whether you need new motors for industrial or residential shutters, there are several different options available. Learn how each type works and their benefits.
Tubular Motors
The most popular form of motor for shutters is a tubular motor. These are internal fitted and work on a simple principle of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to roll the shutter up or down. This is done when the motor receives a signal from either a remote control, wall switch or smart home system indicating it needs to be raised or closed.
Most older tubular motors have a basic limit stop that is set using pulse counting on an encoder wheel inside the motor to’remember’ limits set by the installer. Newer tubular motors however have this limit setting entirely incorporated in their electronics meaning you can simply’set and forget’ a limiting position that leaves the shutter half retracted for example.
Smart home integration of these motors can also be used to trigger automatic opening and closing based on occupancy or other factors. This creates an automated, energy-efficient lifestyle for the homeowner and allows for the possibility of integration with renewable energy sources reducing carbon footprint even further. These trends are expected to grow over time as consumers demand more sustainable living solutions.
Inboard or Industrial Motors
If you have a larger shutter, or one that’s used regularly for industrial purposes, an inboard motor is the way to go. Unlike tubular motors which are fitted inside the roller tube, inboard motors are externally mounted, providing greater torque and operational capacity for large shutter systems.
When activated by an electrical impulse, the motor’s output shaft drives a Rolling shutter door motor chain or sprocket that engages with another sprocket attached to the axle of the shutter curtain, which rolls up or down. Some motors may use a gearbox in addition to this system to increase torque and allow for heavier loads.
These motors are quiet and efficient, allowing for integration with smart home automation systems. They are also durable and come with easy to set hexagon head adjustable motor limits.
Direct Drive
A direct drive motor doesn’t use any gears or mechanical elements, therefore, it requires little maintenance and is extremely reliable. This is especially the case in environments where a high level of security and precision is required.
Essentially, the motor’s electrical signal activates its internal components which then turn the roller tube attached to the shutter into either an unwinding or winding movement. The shutter curtain then follows this movement, bringing it up or down depending on the direction of the shutter’s rotation.
A safety brake can be fitted, which in the event of a motor malfunction or failure will prevent the shutter from descending too far. This brake will need to be reset or replaced by an experienced shutter engineer. Due to its simple construction, this type of motor also has lower operating costs when compared with conventional motor-transmission solutions and hydraulic systems. A low level of noise and vibration are another positive characteristic.
Chain Drive
Essentially a chain drive is like a belt system. A chain is fitted to a pair of sprocket wheels with specially shaped teeth that fit into cutouts on the links. This arrangement enables the motor to transmit power through the chain onto the shutter curtain by rotating the wheels on each sprocket.
The motor is located externally on the shutter rather than within the roller tube itself and a release lever allows you to manually open or close your shutter. This is ideal for situations where a power outage might occur and the door would need to be opened manually.
These systems are often 240V single phase and are ideal for smaller lighter commercial and industrial shutters. However they are not suitable for a high usage shutter such as those used in busy warehouses or shops. This is because the thermal cut out built into the motor restricts how many times the shutter can be operated during a given time period. For higher use shutters Industrial Door Engineering will recommend a 415V three phase GFA direct drive motor.
Gearbox
A gearbox is a mechanical device that uses a set of gears to Rolling shutter door motor supplier change torque and speed between a drive system and a load. It consists of an intricate system of shafts, gears, and synchronisers assembled into a sturdy metal case that contains special transmission oil to lubricate the components and minimise mechanical wear over thousands of kilometres.
Gearboxes are designed to simplify mechanical functions and provide better performance. They can also improve the reliability of equipment. They can also reduce the number of parts, improve efficiency and lower maintenance costs. They can be used in a variety of applications including industrial, marine and aerospace.
Gearbox condition monitoring involves analyzing vibration data to detect localised defects, such as gear tooth spall or root cracks. A condition monitoring model can be adapted using echo state network modeling and nonlinear state estimation techniques to manage the gearbox and determine its maintenance interval. Performing this analysis can help avoid unplanned equipment shutdowns. Moreover, it can help reduce maintenance cost and increase machine availability. It can also enhance safety by detecting any malfunction.