Adjustable Roller Blind Support Device with Depth-Setting Lugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional roller shutter installation requires complex on-site assembly and adjustment, with limited depth adjustment capabilities, making it challenging to accommodate varying configurations and reducing efficiency due to the need for multiple parts and specialized labor.

Innovation Solution

A support device with adjustable flange assembly means and complementary assembly means on the lug, allowing for depth adjustment of the shaft position relative to the slides, enabling pre-assembled units to be easily installed on-site with reduced assembly operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed flange assembly is used, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but 深度调节能力不足 (depth adjustment capability is insufficient)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange assembly is designed with adjustable depth capability through the interaction between lugs and notches. The lugs can be positioned at different depths by engaging with notches at various positions on the support legs, allowing the assembly structure to adapt dynamically to different installation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flange assembly is divided into separate components: flanges, lugs, and support legs with notches. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, providing depth adjustment capability without significantly increasing the complexity of the overall structure. The modular design enables flexible configuration for different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If pre-assembly in workshop is increased, then 现场组装零件数量减少 (number of parts to assemble on site is reduced), but 现场调节深度能力受限 (on-site depth adjustment capability is limited)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidon-site configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roller shutter assembly including the shaft, apron, and flanges is pre-assembled in the workshop as a complete unit. This preliminary assembly reduces the number of parts that need to be handled and assembled on-site, improving installation efficiency. The pre-assembled unit is designed with integrated depth adjustment capability through the lug-notch mechanism, allowing final configuration adjustments to be made on-site without requiring complex disassembly and reassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple series of notches are provided, then 深度调节可能性增加 (depth adjustment possibilities are increased), but 制造复杂度增加 (manufacturing complexity increases)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth adjustment rangeVSAvoidnotch series manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The depth adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete notch positions on each support leg. Each notch represents a predetermined depth position, and multiple notches provide a range of adjustment options. This segmentation approach allows for increased adaptability while keeping manufacturing straightforward, as notches can be easily formed or drilled at specific positions during production without requiring complex machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1977070B1Support device for roller blind and roller blind assembly to be mounted with such a device
Publication Date: 2013.01.09 ZURFLUH FELLER SA
  • EP1977070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1977070B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1977070B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Support device for a roller blind which comprises a blind (B) rolled on a shaft (1), comprising an endplate (2) at each end of the shaft, it being possible for the blind to be unrolled, once it has been installed in a box or a space at the top of an opening equipped with slideways (5) on its sides for guiding the blind. An assembly means (A1) is provided on each endplate to collaborate with a complementary assembly means (A2) provided on a lug (6) that can be engaged in the top of the slideway (5) to support the shaft (1) via the endplates, the assembly means allowing depthwise adjustment of the position of the shaft (1) relative to the slideways (5). A factory pre-fitted assembly consisting at least of the blind (B) wound onto a shaft (1) mounted between the endplates (2) may be installed on site by assembling the endplates (2) and the lugs (6) with depthwise adjustment of the position of the shaft and of the roller blind as a whole.