Blind Slat Control System Modular Connecting Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shutter slat control systems require dismantling the entire shutter to replace a single slat, are costly, and time-consuming to implement, with motorization being difficult due to complex rod and screw mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a profile and carrier design allowing sliding connection of the connecting box, featuring open faces and grooves for easy assembly and disassembly, and modular connecting rods with sections for independent assembly, enabling slat replacement without dismantling the entire shutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the control system uses a rod and connecting rod system with screws in the axis of movable blades, then the shutter provides stable control of slat rotation, but the screws cannot be removed and blades cannot be changed without dismantling the entire shutter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade replacementVSAvoidcontrol system assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into modular components: individual connecting boxes for each slat, separate endless screws, and detachable rod sections. This segmentation allows each slat's control mechanism to be independently accessed and replaced without dismantling the entire shutter assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting boxes are extracted from the traditional integrated rod system and positioned outside the profile at each slat end. This extraction allows the connecting boxes to be easily removed and replaced by accessing them from the outside of the shutter, enabling blade replacement without full dismantling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the control system uses traditional rod and connecting rod mechanisms, then the shutter provides reliable slat control, but the implementation time is long and cost price is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidimplementation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting boxes are pre-assembled with the endless screws and rod sections before installation. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process, as the modular units can be quickly attached to the slats without complex on-site assembly, reducing implementation time and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the control system uses endless screws with rod mechanisms for motorization, then the shutter achieves automated slat rotation, but the structure is difficult to motorize and remains complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorization capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorization system is segmented into individual rod sections that can be independently coupled to motors. Each rod section corresponds to a specific slat or group of slats, allowing for modular motorization that simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting boxes serve as intermediary components between the motors and the slats. They house the endless screws and provide mounting points for the rod sections, simplifying the transmission of rotational motion from motors to slats while reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates quick and cost-effective installation and maintenance of shutter slats, allowing for easy access and replacement of individual slats without disassembling the entire shutter, reducing implementation time and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a connecting box with two side walls extending longitudinally and perpendicular to the driver, box inside which there is a toothed sector engaged with an endless screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear engagement: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the shaft being connected to the driver so as to be able to drive it in rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion transmission: Axle

Data Source

PatentEP2832949B1System for controlling blind slats and corresponding blind
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 HYDRO BUILDING SYSTEMS SARL
  • EP2832949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2832949B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2832949B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Such a system comprises: - a longitudinally extending profile (10) having at least one partially open face, - a drive (46) extending transversely with respect to the profile (10) through a first face of said profile perpendicular to its open face and having an end with two parallel faces perpendicular to the first face of the profile, - a connecting housing (14) with two lateral walls (18, 20) extending longitudinally and perpendicularly to the drive (46), the housing containing a toothed sector (30) meshing with a worm gear (26), the toothed sector (30) being associated with a shaft (28) passing through a lateral wall (18, 20), and said shaft (28) being connected to the drive (46) so as to be able to drive it in rotation and having a stirrup-shaped end with two parallel arms (42) to cooperate with the coach (46).