Control elements for tracking and movement of furniture and interior architectural elements

Abstract

Improved systems and methods for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The system can include improved features implemented throughout various elements, including hardware elements, controller elements, and/or software elements. As one example, the system can feature the ability to map a characteristic load profile across a particular length of actuation and, if during operation a measured load exceeds the profile, adjust (e.g., stop) the system's motion. The system can also advantageously map its current draw to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the system can include a positioning system that enables it to automatically determine its position upon start up and during operation. In some implementations, the system includes multiple moveable elements (e.g., furniture items). In some cases, power is distributed to the moveable element(s) using a moveable power distribution module. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

1 - 100 . (canceled) 
     
     
         101 . A system for moving architectural elements, the system comprising:
 a first architectural element movable along a first track defining a first axis; and   a second architectural element movable along a second track, the second track being attached to the first architectural element.   
     
     
         102 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element comprises at least one of a wall and a first furniture item. 
     
     
         103 .- 104 . (canceled) 
     
     
         105 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element is moved by a first actuator that receives electrical power from a power source and the second architectural element is moved by a second actuator that operates without electrical power. 
     
     
         106 . (canceled) 
     
     
         107 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element are moved by actuators that receive electrical power from a power source. 
     
     
         108 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the second track defines a second axis. 
     
     
         109 . The system of  claim 108 , wherein the second axis is different than the first axis. 
     
     
         110 . (canceled) 
     
     
         111 . The system of  claim 108 , wherein the second axis is the same as the first axis. 
     
     
         112 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element move independently of each other. 
     
     
         113 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element move in unison. 
     
     
         114 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element are arranged in a configuration selected from the group consisting of horizontally adjacent, vertically adjacent, and nested. 
     
     
         115 . A method of moving architectural elements, the method comprising:
 moving a first architectural element along a first track defining a first axis; and   moving a second architectural element along a second track, the second track being attached to the first architectural element.   
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the first architectural element comprises at least one of a wall and a first furniture item. 
     
     
         117 .- 118 . (canceled) 
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the first architectural element is moved by a first actuator that receives electrical power from a power source and the second architectural element is moved by a second actuator that operates without electrical power. 
     
     
         120 . (canceled) 
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element are moved by actuators to receive electrical power from a power source. 
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 120 , wherein the second track defines a second axis. 
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 122 , wherein the second axis is different than the first axis. 
     
     
         124 . (canceled) 
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 122 , wherein the second axis is the same as the first axis. 
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the step of moving the first architectural element and the step of moving the second architectural element occur independently of each other. 
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the step of moving the first architectural element and the step of moving the second architectural element occur in unison. 
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 115 , wherein the first architectural element and the second architectural element are arranged in a configuration selected from the group consisting of horizontally adjacent, vertically adjacent, and nested. 
     
     
         129 - 158 . (canceled)