Folding Template for Shutter Motor Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and weight of motorization assemblies for swing shutters make installation difficult, particularly when using one-piece modules, as it requires two people to handle and align the components during fixing to a lintel, and the use of expensive metal angles for alignment is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a folding template that forms a three-dimensional rail to support and align frame elements, allowing for the installation of motorization modules without the need for two people to handle the weight, using slideways and elastic clamps for temporary fixing and alignment, and a removable mounting template that ensures correct spacing and alignment of modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a monobloc motorization module is used, then the motorization unit is structurally simple and robust, but it becomes heavy and difficult to handle during installation, requiring two people to secure it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motorization unit is divided into separate components: the motor module and the mounting bracket are distinct parts that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the motor to be handled separately from the mounting structure, reducing the weight that installers must carry and position manually, while still achieving a robust assembled structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A template is introduced as an intermediary tool during installation. The template serves as a temporary support structure that holds the motorization unit in position during mounting, eliminating the need for installers to manually support the weight of the motor while positioning it. The template acts as a mediator between the installer and the motor, facilitating easier installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If independent motorization modules are used for each shutter leaf, then synchronization control is achieved, but alignment problems occur and expensive metal angle brackets are required for proper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization controlVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template serves as a reusable model or copy of the correct mounting configuration. By using the template as a physical guide, installers can replicate the precise alignment and spacing required for proper motor positioning without needing complex alignment procedures or expensive metal angle brackets. The template embodies the correct geometric relationships in a simple, reusable form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The template is a simple, inexpensive, and potentially disposable tool used only during the installation process. Instead of requiring expensive metal angle brackets for alignment, a cheap template provides the necessary positioning guidance. The template may be discarded after installation, having served its purpose of ensuring correct alignment without adding permanent complexity to the motorization system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If standard metal angle brackets are used for module alignment, then proper spacing and alignment are ensured, but the cost increases and the installation process remains complex requiring manual positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The template acts as an intermediary tool that simplifies the alignment process. Instead of directly manipulating heavy motors and expensive angle brackets to achieve precise alignment, the template provides pre-formed guide structures that automatically ensure correct spacing and positioning. This intermediary tool transforms a complex manual alignment task into a simpler process of placing components onto the template.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The template replicates the correct mounting geometry in a simplified form. Rather than using expensive metal angle brackets that physically enforce alignment, the template provides a reusable model that guides installers to the correct positions. This copying approach achieves the same alignment precision as metal brackets but with a simpler, cheaper, and more flexible tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3502407B1Method for installing a motor assembly of a shutter, motor assembly and template for assembling said motor assembly
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3502407B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3502407B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3502407B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The method for installing a motorization assembly (1) of a hinged shutter installation (5) comprising a first electromechanical module (M1) equipped with a first electric motor (MA) and an electronic control unit (20), a second mechanical module (M2) equipped with a second electric motor (MB), comprises the steps of: - folding a template (80) and conforming it in the form of a three-dimensional rail - fixing frame elements (40a, 40b) on the template (80) - positioning the assembly formed by the template (80) and the frame elements (40a, 40b) at the level of an architectural element (4) of the opening (2), - fixing the frame elements (40a, 40b) to the architectural element (4) of the opening (2), - fixing the electromechanical (M1) and mechanical (M2) modules to the frame elements (40a, 40b). Chassis elements (40a, 40b) are suitable for being fixed to the template (80). The motorization assembly (100) comprises two such chassis elements (40a, 40b).The invention also relates to the motorization assembly (100) and the template (80) suitable for being folded and for serving as a rigid support for chassis elements (40a, 40b) of the motorization assembly (100).