Accordion Closure Device With Vertical Guide Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable structures for closures, such as rolling shutters and security grilles, face issues with jamming and bulkiness due to the design of their guiding and storage systems, which affect reliability and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a frame and sections articulated in pairs, foldable like an accordion, utilizing a distribution cam with a pivoting mechanism and secondary branches arranged vertically to manage the stacking and movement of sections, along with a rack and pinion system for reliable and space-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sections are folded in an accordion fashion to reduce storage dimensions, then storage space is reduced, but the risk of jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide path with secondary branches as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the accordion folding action and the storage area. The guide path ensures controlled movement of sections into secondary branches during storage and retrieval, preventing uncontrolled jamming while maintaining compact accordion folding capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the storage system by arranging secondary branches vertically relative to the guide path. This dimensional change allows sections to be stacked vertically in the storage area, reducing horizontal footprint while providing gravity-assisted alignment that prevents jamming during deployment
2Adaptability or versatility
If indexing means are switched to different secondary branches using switching means, then accordion folding is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gravity as a self-service mechanism where the weight of stacked sections automatically guides them into the correct secondary branches during deployment. This eliminates the need for complex active switching mechanisms, as the system uses its own weight to achieve proper indexing and branching
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active mechanisms to push sections into branches, the patent inverts the approach by allowing sections to passively fall into branches under gravity. The guide path geometry is designed so that gravity naturally directs sections to the correct secondary branch, simplifying the switching mechanism
3Volume of moving object
If secondary branches are arranged vertically to allow stacking, then storage efficiency improves, but the weight of sections increases the risk of arching in branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple sections are stacked vertically one inside another in the storage area. This nesting configuration maximizes storage efficiency by minimizing the volume occupied while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking nature of the stacked sections
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8a~8f
AI summary
A closing device comprising a structure (1) composed of a succession of sections (10) articulated in pairs, deployable and foldable in an accordion-like fashion in a storage area (S), each of the sections being associated with two indexing means (12), which cooperate by sliding with a guide path (20), which branches into two secondary branches (21, 22), auxiliary switching means allowing an indexing means (12) to take a secondary branch (21, 22) different from that taken by the indexing means (12) which follows or precedes it. The secondary grooves (21, 22) and the storage area (S) are arranged vertically on the guide path. The switching means consist of a distribution cam, movable in pivoting, designed to take, according to its pivoting, positions switching the indexing means (12) alternately towards one or the other of the two secondary grooves (20, 21).