Folding Shutter Bracket With U-Shaped Slot Peg Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding shutters have complex mechanisms for opening and securing the shutter elements, which can be cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using pegs and slots on bracket parts, where a U-shaped slot and pegs interact to facilitate easy folding and locking of shutter elements, with a compact design and reduced strain on components, and an optional locking mechanism for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used for opening and securing shutter elements, then reliable locking can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a U-shaped slot providing guidance and a peg providing locking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving reliable locking through a simplified two-element system rather than a complex multi-component mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The peg and U-shaped slot configuration enables self-locking functionality where the geometric arrangement of the peg within the U-shaped slot automatically secures the shutter elements in the closed position without requiring additional locking components or complex operation sequences. The system serves itself by using the relative motion between peg and slot to achieve both opening and locking functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate movable components are used for shutter operation, then functional reliability can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guiding function and locking function into a single integrated bracket mechanism. The U-shaped slot and peg work together as a unified system that simultaneously provides path guidance for the shutter elements and secure locking in the closed position, eliminating the need for separate guiding components and additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket mechanism serves multiple functions through its design: the U-shaped slot provides both guidance for the peg's motion and defines the locking position, while the peg itself serves as both a guiding element and a locking element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a simple mechanism with few components is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of shutter locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped slot incorporates a curved or bent portion that guides the peg along a specific arcuate path. This curvature ensures that the peg naturally follows the correct motion trajectory and achieves positive engagement in the locking position, providing reliable locking through the geometric shape rather than through complexity. The curved geometry inherently ensures proper alignment and secure engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding shutter comprising a frame with at least one linear guide rail (6) and a carriage (9) mounted to the linear guide rail so that it can be moved in the first direction extending between a first and a second end of the guide rail, and at least two folding shutter elements (2, 3) where one folding shutter element (3) is attached to the carriage (9) via a first (13) and a second bracket part (18) at- tached to the carriage (9), so that the first (2) and the second shutter element (3) folds when the carriage moves away from the first end of the guide rail (6), and wherein each of a first and a second peg (19, 20) is arranged on one bracket part, and extending into engagement with a first (14) and a second slot (15, 16, 17) respectively arranged on the other bracket part, and where the first slot (14) extends along the guide rail (6) when the carriage (9) is positioned at the first end of the guide rail (6), and the second slot is U-shaped having two diverging slot leg portions (15, 16) being connected via a bended slot portion (17), and where the U-shaped slot is configured so that the second peg (20) is posi- tioned in the U-shaped slot at the end of a first slot leg portion 16 when the carriage (9) is at the first end of the guide rail (6), and moves from the end of the first slot leg portion (16) via the bended slot portion (17) and to the second slot leg portion (15) when the carriage (9) is moved to the second end of the guide rail.