Engineering Smart Frame
Motor and connectivity for motorized shading on tilt and turn windows
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What’s the news?
- This article explains how the Motionblinds CM-52 motor and CM-55 Matter Bridge were developed to power Smart Frame, a motorized shading system designed for tilt and turn windows and doors.
What you need to know
- Motor engineering: The CM-52 motor was developed specifically for Smart Frame, with a rectangular motor head, integrated antenna, and custom electronics.
- Moving rail: The motor moves with the rail along gear racks integrated into the frame, enabling controlled positioning within tilt and turn windows.
- Connectivity: Smart Frame connects via Bluetooth in the Motionblinds app and integrates with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant through the CM-55 Matter Bridge.
- Solar powered: The CM-64 solar panel continuously charges the CM-52 battery, supporting long-term operation without manual recharging.
- Self-regulating: Built-in sensors monitor light and temperature, enabling automatic adjustment based on environmental conditions.
Key takeaways
- Smart Frame required new motor and connectivity design within the Motionblinds platform.
- The CM-55 Matter Bridge enables seamless integration across major smart home ecosystems.
Motor design for Smart Frame
When the Smart Frame project started in December 2022, no existing motor within the Motionblinds range could support the concept. Smart Frame required a motorized shading system that operates within tilt and turn windows, where space is limited and components must move together as one system.
“We started with our smallest motor. Then we found it wasn’t strong enough. Moving to a larger motor meant redesigning everything around it. The motor head shape. The axis position. The gear rack locations. Every decision created the next challenge.” — Jochem Nijland, Product Engineer at Coulisse.
The result is the CM-52. A battery-powered Motionblinds motor based on the CM-45 platform, engineered to deliver the torque and efficiency required for tensioned shading systems across different window sizes. The motor head was designed to support future variations. The same architecture allows for smaller configurations in the future, reducing development time for next-generation systems.
Motor head design and antenna integration
Standard Motionblinds motors are round. Smart Frame required a rectangular motor head to fit inside the frame. This required a complete redesign of the internal layout. The position of the buttons. The LED indicator. The antenna system. In round motors, antennas extend outward. In a closed rectangular system, signal transmission is restricted. The solution was a flat, chip-based antenna integrated into the motor head and positioned to transmit through the casing.
“The antenna was one of the hardest challenges. Inside a rectangular rail with plastic on both sides, traditional designs don’t work. We had to develop a completely new solution and test it until it performed at the level we expect.” — Jochem Nijland, Product Engineer at Motionblinds
The result is stable Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 50 meters. Additional components were integrated into the system. A lux sensor measures light levels. A temperature sensor monitors heat behind the glass and triggers automatic system response when needed.
Solar-powered operation
“The question was not just whether a solar panel could charge the battery. The question was whether it could do so consistently, without the user needing to think about it.” — Jochem Nijland, Product Engineer at Coulisse.
The CM-52 motor is battery-powered and supported by the CM-64 solar panel as its primary energy source. USB-C charging is available as backup. The solar panel is permanently connected and charges continuously from ambient light, including indirect daylight. Testing across different window sizes, orientations, and fabric types confirmed that Smart Frame can operate over extended periods without manual charging in typical conditions.
Battery endurance was validated through cycle testing without solar input and compared with real-world solar exposure data across different regions. This ensures reliable performance in daily use.
Connectivity with Matter and smart home platforms
Smart Frame operates natively over Bluetooth for direct control through the Motionblinds app. For full smart home integration, the CM-55 Matter Bridge connects Smart Frame to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant. Matter provides a unified smart home standard, enabling compatibility across platforms and future-proof integration.
“Connectivity is as important as mechanics. We needed to ensure that Smart Frame integrates seamlessly into existing smart home environments, without adding complexity for the user.” — Jerry Wansing, Smart Home Engineer at Motionblinds
The CM-55 enables automation based on schedules, light levels, and environmental conditions. Smart Frame can respond to daylight, align with climate systems, or follow daily routines based on time and location.
Part of the Motionblinds ecosystem
Smart Frame is part of the Motionblinds ecosystem for motorized shading. It uses the same app, bridge, and integration framework as other Motionblinds products.
This allows Smart Frame to be added to existing installations and controlled alongside other motorized blinds and shading systems. For specifiers and installers, this means one connected system across multiple product types. Smart Frame extends the Motionblinds ecosystem to tilt and turn windows, enabling smart shading in a window category that has traditionally been difficult to integrate.
This integrated approach to motor design, connectivity, and system architecture has been recognized by the industry. Smart Frame received the R+T Innovation Award 2024 and the BBSA Excellence Award 2026, reflecting both its engineering concept and its performance in real-world installations.
Frequently asked questions - Engineering Smart Frame
Smart Frame is powered by the Motionblinds CM-52 motor, developed specifically for motorized shading systems used on tilt and turn windows. It includes a rectangular motor head, integrated antenna, custom electronics, and built-in sensors.
Smart Frame connects via Bluetooth for direct control. The Motionblinds CM-55 Matter Bridge enables integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant.
No. Smart Frame is a fully wireless motorized shading system. The battery is charged by a solar panel, with USB-C available as backup.
The CM-55 is a Matter Bridge that connects Motionblinds motors, including Smart Frame, to smart home platforms via Wi-Fi. It enables automation, scheduling, and voice control.
Yes. Smart Frame includes a manual control button and can also be operated via remote controls or wall switches. Voice control is available through connected smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home.
The CM-52 motor is designed for a system where the motor moves within the frame. It includes a rectangular motor head, integrated sensors, and optimized performance for tensioned shading systems in tilt and turn windows.
Yes. Smart Frame is part of the Motionblinds ecosystem and can be integrated with other motorized shading products within the same system.
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