Two-part Guide Profile for Window Roller Shutters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inconsistent visual appearance of windows and doors due to the use of different materials for guide profiles, such as metal guide rails on plastic frames, and the bulky construction of existing guide profiles, which are not space-saving or easy to install for various curtain types.

Innovation Solution

A guide profile designed in two parts, with an outer plastic profile and an inner metal profile, where the outer profile is detachably clipped onto the inner one, providing a uniform appearance and accommodating different types of curtains, including insect screens and roller shutters, while the inner profile can be concealed and securely attached to the window frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If different materials are used for guide profiles to match frame materials (wood, aluminum, plastic), then the visual appearance consistency is improved, but the device complexity and variety of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearance consistencyVSAvoidvariety of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide profile is divided into two separate components: an outer profile (visible) and an inner profile (functional). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the outer profile can be made of plastic to match plastic frames while the inner profile can be metal for structural strength, eliminating the need for multiple material variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer profile serves multiple functions: it provides the visible aesthetic surface that matches the frame material, protects the inner profile, and contributes to the overall structural assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single outer profile design to work with different frame types when combined with different inner profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If metal guide rails are used on plastic frames, then the structural strength is improved, but the visual appearance consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvisual appearance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The inner metal profile is nested inside the outer plastic profile, with the outer profile acting as a cover that conceals the metal material. This nesting arrangement allows the combination of metal strength and plastic aesthetics in a single integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are used in different locations within the same guide profile assembly: metal is used in the inner profile where structural strength is needed for mounting and load-bearing, while plastic is used in the outer profile where aesthetic matching with the frame is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If multi-walled hollow guide profiles are used, then the visual cover function is improved, but the volume and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual cover functionVSAvoidguide profile volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional running groove is extracted from the hollow interior of a multi-walled profile and placed in a separate, flat inner profile. This extraction eliminates the need for complex multi-walled construction while maintaining the visual cover function through the outer profile and the guiding function through the inner profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate edging profiles and running grooves are used, then the functional specialization is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer profile and inner profile are merged into a single guide profile assembly that functions as both a visual cover and a functional guide. The inner profile integrates the running groove function while the outer profile provides the aesthetic cover, eliminating the need for separate edging profiles and reducing the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3832065B1Guide profile for a window or a door with a roller shutter box
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 VEKA AG
  • EP3832065B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3832065B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3832065B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a guide profile (100, ... ,106) for a window or door with a roller shutter box, which can be connected to a vertical frame profile (50), in particular a lateral vertical frame profile or a mullion profile, and which has at least one laterally open guide recess (A,B), wherein it has an inner profile (20), in particular which can be connected directly or indirectly to the frame profile (50), and an outer profile (10) which is attached or at least attachable to the inner profile (20) from the outside, in particular by snapping.