Roller Shutter Curtain Cap Application and Guided Winding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and winding them require continuous operator assistance, leading to inefficiencies in production lines.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that automates the application of end caps and winding process by using retractable stop elements, curtain positioning devices with manipulators, and adaptable winding units, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an operator continuously assists the apparatus to unfold and guide the curtain, then the curtain can be correctly positioned and guided to the winding spindle, but the production line efficiency deteriorates due to operator involvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurtain positioning and guidingVSAvoidproduction line efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is equipped with automatic positioning devices and manipulators that enable the system to position and guide the curtain without human intervention. The manipulator automatically unfolds the curtain, positions it correctly, and guides it to the winding spindle, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous operator assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations performed by the operator are replaced by automated mechanical systems including positioning devices, manipulators with grippers, and control systems. These automated mechanical systems perform the curtain unfolding, positioning, and guiding functions that previously required human operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the apparatus is completely automated without operator assistance, then production efficiency improves, but the complexity of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction line efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules including a positioning device for stopping the curtain, a manipulator with gripper for unfolding and positioning slats, and a winding unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: gripping the curtain, unfolding it, positioning individual slats, and guiding the curtain to the winding spindle. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby controlling overall device complexity while achieving complete automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If the curtain is automatically positioned and guided, then continuous operator assistance is eliminated, but the precision of slat positioning must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurtain positioning automationVSAvoidslat positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device includes sensors and control systems that monitor the curtain position and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the curtain is stopped at the correct position and that slats are accurately positioned during the unfolding and guiding operations, maintaining manufacturing precision throughout the automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device performs preliminary positioning of the curtain before the manipulator begins its unfolding and guiding operations. By pre-positioning the curtain correctly and ensuring proper alignment of slats beforehand, the system establishes the conditions necessary for maintaining precision throughout the subsequent automated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4656834B1Apparatus for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 DALLAN S R L CASTELFRANCO VENETO

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for applying end caps on curtains for roller shutters and for the subsequent winding of the curtains. Said apparatus (100) extends along an apparatus axis (X) and comprises the following, in sequence, between an inlet (1) and an outlet (2) along said apparatus axis (X): - a curtain feeding station (110); - a cap application station (120); - a curtain winding station (130); - a management and control unit (140). The cap application station (120) comprises at its inlet at least one retractable stop element (124) which is adapted to stop the first slat (51) of said curtain (50) in a predefined reference position along the apparatus axis (X). Each curtain positioning device (122a; 122b) comprises a main manipulator (1220) which is adapted to reversibly engage in grip, by means of a first toothed portion (1221), a predefined group of slats with each forward movement to progressively advance the curtain (50) in steps in said sliding track along said apparatus axis (X), positioning one slat a time according to a predetermined pitch at said two cap applicator devices. The winding station comprises a third curtain support structure (131) which is adapted to define an extension of said track (120a) up to near the two slat engagement seats (1322) of the two winders and is movable between an active position and a passive position.