Flexible Ring Coupling for Roller Shutter Apron Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for roller shutters have limited resistance to tearing, leading to detachment of the apron from the winding shaft, and require complex dismantling for maintenance or replacement, with existing designs often requiring multiple links and cumbersome locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a flexible connecting ring with a slot and locking mechanism of the tenon/mortise type, allowing for easy positioning and locking around the winding shaft without requiring dismantling of the shaft, using a single attachment link to secure the apron and prevent rotation, with a spiral design for proper winding and abutment means to block the apron's ascent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple rings and attachment links are used to secure the apron to the winding shaft, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rings into a single flexible ring that can deform to accommodate the winding shaft. This single ring integrates the functions of multiple separate rings, reducing complexity while maintaining connection strength through its flexible design that allows it to conform to the shaft's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ring is designed with a slot that divides it into two adjacent edges which can be separated during installation. This segmentation allows the ring to be easily positioned around the winding shaft and then closed to form a complete circular structure, simplifying both installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If rigid locking mechanisms are used to prevent apron detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible one that can deform during installation and operation. This dynamic flexibility allows the ring to adapt to the winding shaft's geometry, providing reliable connection while enabling easy removal and replacement without requiring dismantling of the shaft or other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the ring is designed to facilitate preliminary separation of the two adjacent edges during installation. This preliminary action allows the ring to be easily positioned around the winding shaft before being closed to form the complete circular structure, simplifying both initial installation and future maintenance.
3Strength
If complex articulation systems with multiple rings are used, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate articulation components into a single flexible ring system. This unified design maintains anchoring strength through the ring's flexible connection to the winding shaft while dramatically reducing maintenance time, as the entire ring can be removed and replaced as a single unit without disassembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ring design enables easy discarding of the old ring and recovery/reinstallation of a new one. The ring can be quickly removed from the winding shaft by separating its two edges through the slot, and then reinstalled by closing the edges around the shaft, providing a simple maintenance procedure that preserves anchoring strength.
4Reliability
If the ring is made rigid for secure locking, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deform during installation to accommodate the winding shaft's geometry. Once installed, the ring provides reliable locking through its flexible connection, while the ability to deform makes it easy to install and remove during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible ring structure that can deform to fit around the winding shaft. This flexible shell design provides reliable anchoring and locking while enabling easy operation during installation and maintenance, as the ring can be easily positioned and removed without requiring complex tools or procedures.
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
The solution provides enhanced anchoring and locking of the apron to the winding shaft, reducing the risk of detachment and allowing for easy maintenance by enabling the ring to be replaced without disassembling the shaft, while ensuring secure closure and prevention of the apron's ascent during deployment.
Implementation Method 1
the ring is flexible and comprises a slot so as to present two adjacent edges defined on each side of said slot. The ring is capable of being deformed to be moved apart at its two edges
Implementation Method 2
means for locking in rotation and in translation being arranged between the ring and the shaft, along its longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
This attachment link has a first end which is mounted in a pivot connection directly with the ring secured to the shaft
Implementation Method 4
The ring is capable of being deformed to be moved apart at its two edges, said spacing allowing the ring to be passed and positioned around the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The device (1) has a flexible connecting ring (7) comprising a slot for introducing two adjacent edges (21, 23), where the ring is deformed for moving the ring aside of the edges and for positioning the ring around a rotating shaft (5). The positioning of the ring allows placing of locking units in rotation and translation between the ring and the shaft, where the locking units comprise a longitudinal groove (27) and a projection parts (29, 29') presenting an internal side (31) and external sides (33, 33'). An independent claim is also included for a method for installing a roller shutter.