Apron Folding Limit Mechanism for Roller Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for building openings, such as roller shutters and blinds, face issues with the reliability and integrity of devices limiting the folding of aprons due to removable pins and stress on movable elements, leading to potential jamming and weakening of components.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a retractable stop mechanism integrated into the support, where the locking means is formed by the support itself, eliminating the need for removable pins and allowing for simple sliding or rotational movements to switch between active and inactive locking positions, ensuring the apron's integrity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable pin is used to lock the retractable stop, then the locking function is achieved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of pin loss or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the support structure itself. The support includes a recess that receives the movable element, and the movable element has a protrusion that engages with the recess to lock the retractable stop. This integration eliminates the need for a separate removable pin while maintaining the locking function, thereby improving reliability and reducing component complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple holes are provided in the movable element for pin engagement, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the strength of the movable element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into the interaction between the support recess and movable element protrusion. The protrusion on the movable element fits into the recess on the support, providing a strong mechanical connection without requiring multiple holes. This design maintains the ease of operation while preserving the strength of the movable element.
3Ease of operation
If a slot is provided in the final slat for pin access, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the resistance of the final slat to stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is merged into the sliding movement of the movable element along the support. The movable element can be slid out of the recess to unlock the retractable stop without requiring a slot in the final slat. This eliminates the weakening effect of slots while maintaining the ease of unlocking through simple sliding motion.
4Reliability
If the retractable stop is locked in active position, then the folding limitation is achieved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. The movable element can be slid along the support to transition between engaging the recess (locked state) and disengaging from it (unlocked state). This dynamic design maintains reliable folding limitation while enabling easy maintenance by allowing simple sliding to unlock the retractable stop.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (5) has a mounting unit for mounting a movable element (7) slidingly with respect to a support (6). A second mounting unit mounts a retractable abutment (9) with respect to the movable element between an active blocking position and an inactive blocking position. A locking unit for locking the abutment is constituted by the support, which occupies a locking state of the abutment in the active blocking position and a release state of the abutment in the inactive blocking position. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an apron (2) a concealment system.