Rotating Cover Blades With Quick-Release Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering apparatuses for outdoor settings have complex and time-consuming installation processes, require multiple operators for blade mounting, and difficulty in maintenance due to internal components being inaccessible without disassembling the structure.
Innovation Solution
A covering apparatus with coupling elements that allow easy installation and maintenance by enabling single-operator assembly and disassembly of blades, and providing accessible internal components through a simplified mechanism for connecting blades to movement means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blades are hinged to longitudinal members with rotation pins during installation, then the covering apparatus achieves functional blade mounting, but the installation process becomes long and complex requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into modular components: the blade body with integrated rotation pins at its ends, and separate longitudinal members with receiving profiles. This segmentation allows the blade to be pre-assembled as a complete unit, which can then be quickly installed by simply engaging its ends with the longitudinal members, eliminating the need for on-site pin insertion and reducing installation time and operator requirements.
2Reliability
If rotation pins are directly connected to movement means inside longitudinal members, then the apparatus achieves functional blade actuation, but blade removal requires disassembling the longitudinal members
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation pins are extracted from the longitudinal members and instead integrated directly onto the blade body. This extraction allows the blade to be removed as a complete unit from the longitudinal members without requiring disassembly of the longitudinal members themselves, significantly simplifying maintenance and repair operations while the movement means remain accessible through the guide structure.
3Shape
If longitudinal members are closed with coverage profiles to conceal mechanical components, then the apparatus achieves aesthetic appearance, but inspection and maintenance of internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure serves as an intermediary element that performs multiple functions: it conceals the movement means within the longitudinal members for aesthetic purposes, provides accessible openings for inspection and maintenance operations, and guides the blade movement. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by allowing both aesthetic enclosure and maintenance accessibility simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Covering apparatus (1), which comprises a support structure (2) provided with two lateral beams (21), a series of covering blades (3) supported by the respective lateral beams (21) and first movement means (4) arranged for rotating the covering blades (3) around a corresponding rotation axis (R). The covering blades comprising an elongated body (32), which is extended between two corresponding ends (32') and two coupling elements (33), each placed to connect between the corresponding end (32') of the elongated body (32) and the first movement means (4). In particular, each coupling element (33) comprises a guide body (34), provided with a coupling guide (341), a coupling body (35), provided with a first engagement portion (351) engaged with the coupling guide (35), and locking means (36), adapted to constrain the first engagement portion (351) to the coupling guide (35). In addition, one between the guide body (34) and the coupling body (35) is fixed to the end (32') of the covering blade (3), while the other carries, mounted thereon, a rotation pin (37) rotatably connected to the corresponding lateral beam (21).