Flexible Shutter Drum with Edge Containment for Buckling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible shutter devices experience buckling and uncontrollable deformation during unwinding due to unsupported side edges and increased friction, leading to folding and degradation, especially under wind pressure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of containment elements, such as a pressure element or a rod, to exert a radial thrust force on the side edges, maintaining contact and preventing buckling by guiding the flap during unwinding and ensuring continuous contact between the roller and slides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the drum rotates to unwind the shutter during closing, then the shutter moves toward closed position, but the unsupported side edges buckle and form folds due to friction and wind pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure element acts as an intermediary between the drum and the shutter side edges. This element applies localized pressure to the unsupported portion of the side edges, preventing them from buckling under wind pressure and friction during the closing operation. The pressure element mediates the force transmission while maintaining edge stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element applies a preliminary counteracting force to the side edges before buckling can occur. By continuously pressing against the unsupported portion of the side edges during drum rotation, it prevents the harmful buckling action from happening in the first place, rather than correcting it after formation.
2Productivity
If the drum continues to rotate under friction resistance, then the shutter unwinds further, but the unsupported side edges form folds that prevent sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element serves as a mediator that maintains contact between the shutter side edges and the guide structure. By applying continuous pressure to the unsupported portion, it ensures the edges remain properly positioned for sliding along the guides, preventing fold formation that would interrupt operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element performs preliminary positioning of the side edges before they enter the guide region. By pre-compressing and aligning the unsupported portion of the edges, it prepares them for smooth sliding entry, preventing the formation of folds that would cause operational interruptions.
3Reliability
If containment elements are added to prevent buckling, then side edge stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed as a flexible component that can adapt to the curvature of the drum and the shutter edges. This flexibility allows it to maintain effective contact and apply pressure in the correct direction without requiring complex mechanical linkages or rigid structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Prevents buckling and folding of the flexible shutter, ensuring smooth operation and reducing maintenance needs by maintaining the flap's integrity and preventing deformation during closure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure element making it possible to exert a thrust force on the side edges of the flap at the level of the unsupported part of the flap extending between a first end of the slides and the roller
Implementation Method 2
the progression of the side edges of the cover in the guides can be slowed down (friction due to wind pressure which can reach 160 km/h)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible shutter device, designed for closing a bay or other opening which cooperates with drive means which permit a displacement fo the flexible shutter between an open position and a closed position. The device comprises a drum which may turn about the axis thereof and about which the flexible shutter is wound in the open position thereof, forming a roll comprising turns made up of successive layers attaching one to the other and from which the flexible shutter can be unwound and pushed into the closed position thereof. Slides mounted on a fixed support provide guidance along the bay for the unwound part of the flexible shutter. Pressure or restriction elements (33, 50, 66) avoid buckling of the lateral edges (2,3) in the supported part thereof, extending between a first end (30) of the slides (4,5), nearest the roll and the roll.