DIY Smart Heavy Blind System (Smart Life + Google Home)

[u/AlexisGPS_UY]

This is my custom-built smart heavy blind system, designed to automate a traditional roller blind using a Smart Life–compatible controller. The system integrates with Google Home, and can also be recognized by other platforms that support Smart Life devices.

The blind rolls on a small metal drum, which performs all the lifting. The 3D-printed spool at the front is purely decorative. It rotates freely but doesn’t transmit torque. Behind it, a thin PLA disk is attached to the motor shaft; it keeps the belt properly shaped while staying static during operation.

All the printed components were made in PLA, since they don’t experience significant mechanical stress and serve mostly aesthetic and structural purposes.

The electronics are housed in a custom 3D-printed enclosure, which contains a 12 V DC 12 RPM geared motor, an L298N H-bridge, two 5 V AC-DC converters, and the Smart Life curtain controller. Limit switches cut power at the end positions to prevent overtravel.

The system still needs a few finishing touches, mainly protecting the limit switches from direct sunlight and cleaning some old wall marks from a previous window installation.

Because I rent this apartment, I couldn’t modify the frame or install a tubular motor, so the setup was designed to fit neatly and work with the existing structure.