Suggestion: Add Optional Window Sensor to Prevent Blinds Closing When Window is Open

[DzianisFrydliand]

First of all, I'd like to express my appreciation for all the work you've done in developing the adaptive-cover component. It's been incredibly useful in managing my roller shades, and I'm grateful for your dedication to this project!

I wanted to share a situation I've encountered and suggest a possible improvement to the adaptive-cover component.

Situation:

I have a setup where my roller shades might collide with an open window, potentially causing damage. To prevent this, I’ve created an automation that stops the roller shades from closing if the window is open. Here’s the automation I’m using:

automation:
  - id: office_prevent_roller_shutter_from_closing_if_window_is_open
    alias: office_prevent_roller_shutter_from_closing_if_window_is_open
    description: Prevents the roller shutter from closing if the window sensor is open.
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: cover.office_roller_shade_driver
        to: "closing"  # Trigger when the roller shutter starts to close
    condition:
      - condition: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.office_window_bottom_sensor_contact
        state: "on"  # Assuming "on" means the window is open
    action:
      - service: cover.stop_cover
        target:
          entity_id: cover.office_roller_shade_driver
      - service: cover.open_cover
        target:
          entity_id: cover.office_roller_shade_driver

The issue I’m encountering is that when the adaptive-cover component attempts to close the shades, the automation will intervene and stop the motor, but the motor still starts and then stops repeatedly. This is not ideal as it could wear down the motor over time and create unnecessary noise.

Suggestion:

Would it be possible to add an optional window sensor to the adaptive-cover component? This sensor could be used to prevent any attempt to close the blinds if the window is detected as open. It would be an excellent feature to enhance the functionality of the component and could prevent potential damage to blinds in situations like mine.

Thank you again for your hard work, and I hope this suggestion can be considered for a future update!

Best regards,
Dzianis

[DzianisFrydliand]

Alternate Solution Suggestion: Introduce a Switch to Enable/Disable the Component

As an alternative approach to address the situation I described earlier, another potential solution could be to introduce a switch within the adaptive-cover component that allows users to turn the component on or off.

With such a switch, I could easily integrate it into my existing automation. For example, I could disable the adaptive-cover component whenever the window is open and then re-enable it once the window is closed. This would prevent any unnecessary motor activity while the window is open and ensure that the component resumes its functionality when it’s safe to do so.

This solution would give me more control over when the adaptive-cover component is active, avoiding any unnecessary motor starts and stops.

I believe this flexibility could be beneficial for users with similar setups and could be a valuable addition to the component.

Thanks again for considering these suggestions!

[basbruss]

Hi @DzianisFrydliand,

The switch you’re describing already exists.

Personally, I'm not a fan of adding a sensor or any other entity that could signal a need to stop the adaptive control. There are many situations where such an override may be necessary, and each could require a different response (e.g., staying in the same position without updating, fully closing, fully opening, or moving to a preset position based on the state of that entity).

Additionally, some scenarios may need to rely on multiple sensors to deactivate the control function based on different conditions. This complexity would be challenging to manage. As you pointed out, the existing switch allows users to deactivate the adaptive control based on their specific needs and to incorporate any necessary position changes into their automation.

[DzianisFrydliand]

I apologize for missing that part of the documentation — it’s great to know that the switch already exists. It totally makes sense, and I see how it provides the flexibility needed for different scenarios. I'll definitely be incorporating it into my automations as you suggested.

[MRobi1]

There are many situations where such an override may be necessary, and each could require a different response (e.g., staying in the same position without updating, fully closing, fully opening, or moving to a preset position based on the state of that entity).

I have a door with a large window and a roller shade on it. When I unlock that door, my current automation causes the blind to open. It stays open until the door is locked again. This is exactly one of those "many situations" where an override may be necessary. But I personally don't feel this is a common enough scenario to put in a feature request because there may only be a handful of others who would want to override blind control based on a door lock state.

But when it comes to windows, I'd say probably about 99% of users are controlling blinds that are on windows. And I would say an extremely common scenario would be to override blind control when the window is open. They flap in the wind and make noise. Some blinds are fabric and could get wet/ruined. Those with tilting blinds would want them locked a certain tilt position to allow airflow to go through. Personally, I feel blind control without a open window override is missing a core component. All it needs is to define the sensor, and a target position.

I don't think you should try to account for every possible scenario that could arise (like my door lock). But definitely should cover the most common. My 2 cents.

[LPK60]

I agrre with @MRobi1; Now it's quite common use this for roller shade Internal position) then shutter (external). Avoid any movement when the door is open prevent any damagese. In any case the integration seems great (just installed for the 1st roller) and I will try to set up an automation that changes the toggle_contol ON/OFF depending from the window sensor status. I hope this can work.