Adjustable Slats with Embedded Motors for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for covering and uncovering surfaces with adjustable blades are either complex, expensive, or unsuitable for large areas, often requiring dedicated storage space and lacking modularity and ease of adaptation to varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A modular installation with orientable slats supported by pivot axes and guided carriages, featuring a system for moving and orienting blades between stowed and deployed positions, utilizing retractable hitches and embedded motors for efficient translation and orientation, along with sensors and a control device for automated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If adjustable blades are permanently positioned above the surface to be covered, then the surface can be protected from rain and sun, but the blades occupy unnecessary space during periods of no sunshine and reduce ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from rain and sunVSAvoidventilation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The installation uses motorized mechanisms to dynamically adjust the position and orientation of blades, enabling them to transition between horizontal protective positions and vertical stowed positions based on environmental conditions and user requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blade system is divided into multiple independently controllable segments that can be positioned at different angles and locations along the supporting structure, allowing selective coverage and ventilation control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a storage mechanism is added to store blades when not in use, then space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides blade movement, houses motorized mechanisms, and defines the operational space for blades during both deployed and stowed positions, eliminating the need for separate storage components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The guidance tracks, motorized mechanisms, and supporting structure are integrated into a unified system where the same structural elements perform multiple functions throughout the blade's operational cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If synchronized motorization systems with belts and pulleys are used to move and orient blades, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade control precisionVSAvoidmotorization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with direct motorized mechanisms that integrate motors with the blade support carriages, eliminating the need for separate belts, pulleys, and synchronization systems while maintaining precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Each blade carriage is equipped with its own motorized mechanisms for movement and orientation, allowing independent control without requiring external synchronization systems or complex mechanical linkages between blades

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of moving object

If a storage magazine is provided for folded blades, then blades can be compacted when not in use, but the magazine encroaches on the surface to be covered or requires additional space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade storage compactnessVSAvoidsurface coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blade storage solution transitions from horizontal compacting in a magazine to vertical positioning along the supporting structure, utilizing the vertical dimension to store blades in a stowed position without requiring additional horizontal space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3443177B1Apparatus for covering and uncovering a surface using coupled self-propelled adjustable slats

Publication Date: 2020.01.08 BIOSSUN

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AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus which includes: a series of adjustable slats supported by the pivoting pins thereof by means of a set of a first carriage (101) and a second carriage (102); and a movement system including, for each head slat, movement motors (12) on board the first and second carriages and, for the slats in even rows, a retractable coupling (A) attached between the first carriage of said slat and the first carriage belonging to the head slat or to the adjacent slat of the lower row, as well as a drive system (S) for translating the second carriage of said slat and, for each present slat in an odd row, a retractable coupling (A) attached between the second carriage (102) of said slat and the second carriage (102) belonging to the adjacent slat of the lower row and a drive system (S) for translating the first carriage of said slat.