Folding Shutter Mechanical Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding shutters face reliability issues with locking mechanisms, particularly electric locks that fail during power outages and complex mechanical locks that can malfunction due to soiling or oxidation, leading to incorrect positioning and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A folding shutter design featuring a displaceable actuator rod with locking means that engage asynchronously with the shutter parts, using a locking hook and pin mechanism, and counteracting forces such as spring force or gravity to ensure secure locking without pivoting components, allowing for simple and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electric locks are used for automatic locking, then the folding shutter can be locked automatically in closed position, but the locking system becomes unreliable during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric locks with a purely mechanical locking system consisting of a locking arm, locking surface, and spring mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates dependence on electrical power while maintaining automatic locking functionality through the natural movement of the folding shutter itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically through the movement of the folding shutter parts themselves. The locking arm is spring-loaded to engage with the locking surface on the immovable part when the shutter reaches closed position, requiring no external power source or additional actuation - the shutter's own movement performs the locking action.
2Extent of automation
If complex mechanical locking means with pivoting components are used, then automatic locking can be achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and reliability decreases due to soiling and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all unnecessary pivoting components from the locking mechanism. Only the essential elements remain: a locking arm with a single pivot point, a locking surface, and a spring. This extraction of unnecessary complexity directly addresses the problem of soiling and oxidation while maintaining automatic locking.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple pivoting components that can accumulate dirt and oxidize, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple sliding locking arm that moves linearly along a guide profile. This inversion from multi-pivot to single-pivot plus sliding motion dramatically reduces complexity and susceptibility to environmental degradation.
3Device complexity
If simple locking means without pivoting components are used, then reliability improves and construction is simplified, but the locking mechanism may not engage securely
Solution Approach 1:
The locking surface is designed with a curved profile that complements the shape of the locking arm's engagement point. This curved geometry ensures positive engagement and secure locking while maintaining the simplicity of the mechanism. The curvature provides mechanical advantage and ensures reliable engagement without requiring complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-loads the locking arm into a ready-to-engage position before the shutter reaches closed position. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the shutter arrives at closed position, the locking arm is already positioned to engage with the locking surface, securing the shutter without requiring additional force or complex timing mechanisms.
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 a reliable and secure locking mechanism that remains functional during power outages and reduces operational complexity, ensuring the folding shutter can be easily opened and closed while maintaining a secure closed position, even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
counteracting forces such as spring force or gravity
Implementation Method 2
counteracting forces such as spring force or gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a folding shutter (1) which is displaceable between a closed position and an open position, and can be locked in a simple and reliable manner in its closed position, comprising a basic shutter part (3) and a shutter extension part (4) which are pivotably connected to one another, comprising an actuator rod (11) which is attached to the shutter extension part (4) so as to be movable between a starting position and an end position, in which drive means (7, 8, 19, 24) are connected to said actuator rod (11) in order to drive the movement, in such a manner that when the folding shutter (1) is moved to its closed position, the locking means (9, 10) engage with each other at the end of said displacement when the actuator rod (11) is moved from its starting position to its end position.