Camming Fastener for Aligning Shutter Frame Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and assembly of shutters for window and door openings often face challenges in reducing manufacturing, assembly, and transportation costs, while also simplifying the assembly process to maintain an economic advantage.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly comprising a pair of side members and parallel cross members, where at least one cross member is formed by joining two frame portions using a camming fastener that rotates to draw the portions together, allowing for efficient alignment and secure assembly of the frame, and a method of fabricating this assembly using C-shaped partial-frames and camming fasteners to simplify the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional shutter assembly methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase, and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter frame is divided into multiple frame portions that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together using fasteners, allowing for cost-effective production while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are designed to self-align and self-secure the frame portions together through camming action, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations, thereby reducing assembly costs while ensuring strong joints
2Productivity
If traditional shutter assembly methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portions are pre-configured with aligned recesses and the fasteners are pre-positioned to engage these recesses, so that when assembled, the components automatically align and secure themselves without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The camming fasteners automatically draw the frame portions together and secure them through rotational motion alone, making the assembly process simple and rapid while ensuring strong, reliable joints without requiring complex tools or procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If frame portions are joined together, then complete frame structure is formed, but alignment precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are designed with camming surfaces that automatically align the frame portions as they are being joined, so that the act of fastening itself ensures precise alignment without requiring pre-alignment or complex positioning fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates a camming action that transforms rotational motion into linear drawing motion, automatically adjusting the position of frame portions to achieve precise alignment and secure connection simultaneously
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
This solution reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, simplifies the assembly process, and allows for the creation of functional or cosmetic shutters that can be easily installed, providing both economic and aesthetic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener further comprises a receiving member having a cam surface engagable with the pin member and being mounted in and rotatable within the second frame portion and adapted to draw together the first and second frame portions when the receiving member is rotated while engaging the pin member
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for windows and doors includes a pair of side members and a pair of generally parallel cross members, each extending along a unique member axis. The cross members include a first frame portion and a second frame portion that extend generally along the member axis and are connected by a camming fastener that draws together and secures the first and second frame portions. A method of fabricating a shutter assembly includes forming a pair of C-shaped partial-frames, each from a side member coupled to portions of two cross-members. The method includes co-axially aligning corresponding portions of the two cross-members along two axes and joining the two C-shaped partial-frames with camming fasteners.