Flexible Roller Shutter Slat Joining Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter devices face issues with water infiltration and freezing in non-vertical configurations, leading to difficulties in movement and potential damage due to the design of hooks and grooves, which fail to ensure proper sealing and articulation between slats.

Innovation Solution

A flexible junction device made of elastic material is inserted between slats, cooperating with the groove on one side and receiving the opposite edge of an adjacent slat on the other, allowing for secure attachment, movement, and sealing, replacing traditional hooks and grooves to prevent water infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hooks and grooves are used to join slats, then articulation between slats is achieved, but water infiltration and freezing occur in non-vertical configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation reliabilityVSAvoidwater infiltration and freezing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid hooks and grooves with a flexible joining element made of elastomeric material that features a groove for receiving the hook and lips for sealing. This flexible element prevents water infiltration while maintaining articulation, resolving the contradiction between reliable joining and water protection in non-vertical configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The joining element combines the elastomeric material with metallic slats to create a composite joint system. The elastomeric material provides flexibility and sealing, while the metallic slats provide structural strength, together preventing water infiltration and freezing issues that plague traditional all-metal or all-rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If hooks are inserted into grooves to secure slats, then slat attachment is achieved, but water stagnates in the groove causing freezing and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslat attachment strengthVSAvoidwater stagnation and freezing

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible joining element with integrated sealing lips prevents water from stagnating in the groove by creating a water-tight barrier. The lips extend to seal the groove opening, allowing the groove to maintain its attachment function while eliminating the water collection problem that causes freezing and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of water infiltration into a benefit by designing the flexible element to actively seal against water entry. The same groove that previously collected water is now sealed by the flexible material, transforming the vulnerability into a protective feature that prevents water damage while maintaining the attachment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If rigid joining elements are used between slats, then structural strength is achieved, but movement and articulation are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidslat movement and articulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric joining element provides both strength and flexibility. The material's inherent elasticity allows the slats to articulate and move while the groove and lip structure maintains a secure connection. This resolves the contradiction by providing a joint that is both strong and movable, unlike rigid alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The joining element is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to deform and accommodate the movement of slats during articulation. The flexible material adapts to the changing geometry as slats move, maintaining strength throughout the range of motion rather than restricting movement as rigid joints would.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible device ensures secure articulation and sealing between slats, preventing water infiltration and freezing issues, allowing for smooth operation and reducing the risk of damage in various configurations.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

this type of material makes it possible to seal the groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2845983B1Roller shutter with a device for joining two slats

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 BUBENDORFF SA

Figure 1~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for joining two slats (2) of a roller shutter curtain, said device (1) being in the form of a longitudinal element made of flexible material, characterized in that said element has at the level of a first longitudinal edge (3), hooking means (4) shaped so as to cooperate by insertion within a groove (5) of which is equipped an edge (6) of one of said slats (2); and at the level of its second longitudinal edge (10), receiving means (11) shaped so as to cooperate by interlocking the opposite edge (12) of the other of said slats (2), said receiving means (11) comprising two deformable lips (13) situated on either side of a housing (14) for receiving said opposite edge (12), said receiving means (11) having shapes and dimensions adapted and complementary to allow the insertion and retention of the opposite edge (12) of said other slat (2).The invention also relates to a roller shutter curtain whose slats are equipped with such a device (1).