Building Closure Device with Integrated Motor and Obstacle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closing and concealment devices for buildings, such as garage doors and rolling shutters, are bulky and aesthetically unpleasing due to the need for large motorized systems and winding tubes, and lack effective obstacle detection and stopping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A compact closure or concealment device with motorized drive means integrated within a final portion, featuring a detection system for obstacle detection and control mechanisms to stop the device upon contact, allowing for reduced size and improved aesthetics, and incorporating articulation means for stacking slats inside a roller shutter box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If motorized drive means are located externally (on ceiling or walls), then the device can be operated effectively, but the installation requires considerable space and additional structures that increase complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motorized drive means with the final section of the closing device by providing a cavity in the final section that receives the motorized drive means. This integration eliminates the need for separate external mounting structures on ceilings or walls, reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If winding tube and slats are used for roller shutter, then the curtain can be wound and unwound effectively, but the assembly requires a large roller shutter box that protrudes from the building and detracts from aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurtain winding operationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the winding tube assembly with the final section by providing a cavity in the final section that receives the winding tube. This integration allows the roller shutter box to be compact and flush with the building facade, eliminating protrusions that would detract from aesthetic appearance while maintaining the curtain winding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If detection system with blocking means is added to detect obstacles, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detection system with the final section by housing the blocking means and actuating means within the cavity of the final section. This integration provides obstacle detection capability for safety while minimizing additional complexity through space-efficient design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3623565B1Closing or concealing device for a construction
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 BHG
  • EP3623565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing or concealing device (2) for a construction, this device (2) comprises, on the one hand, motorized drive means (4) for driving this device (2) in movement between an open position and a closed or concealed position and, on the other hand, a plurality of portions (3; 3'), which are articulated in pairs, of which a final portion (3), which is intended to come to be positioned at least near a threshold of an opening of a construction equipped with such a device (2), and which comprises at least one cavity (31) which includes, internally, at least a part of the motorized drive means (4).This device (2) is characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a detection system (5) for detecting an obstacle in the path of this device (2) and, on the other hand, control means (6) for stopping the drive of the device (2) by the motorized drive means (4), in the event of detection of such an obstacle by the detection system (5). The invention also relates to a closure or shading installation (1) for a building; this installation (1) comprises such a closure or shading device (2).