Integrated Profile Unit for Roller Shutter and Fall Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window fall protection solutions compromise the outer appearance of windows and lack thermal separation and integrated amplification, especially for plastic windows, and do not securely attach to the internal steel reinforcement of frames.

Innovation Solution

A profile unit integrating fall protection into roller shutter guides using a combination of plastic and metallic profiles, with a hook closure and screw connection, allowing for easy installation and disassembly without affecting the window's appearance, and providing thermal separation and secure attachment to the frame's steel reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate guide profiles are attached to the frame for fall protection, then fall protection function is achieved, but the outer optical appearance of the window is changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefall protection functionVSAvoidouter optical appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fall protection guide profile with the roller shutter guide profile into a single integrated profile unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate guide profiles while maintaining both the fall protection function and the aesthetic appearance of the window, as the integrated profile is designed to be visually compatible with the window structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated profile unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides roller shutter guidance, ensures fall protection, and maintains thermal separation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, thereby preserving the window's appearance while achieving safety objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional frame profiles are used for fall protection, then fall protection is achieved, but thermal separation is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefall protectionVSAvoidthermal separation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The profile unit employs composite construction with distinct thermal separation elements integrated into the design. The profile includes insulating materials positioned to maintain thermal breaks between the interior and exterior portions of the frame, preventing heat transfer while still providing the structural support needed for fall protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If roller shutter guides are screwed onto the frame, then secure attachment is achieved, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The profile unit is pre-assembled with all necessary attachment components, including screw connections to the steel reinforcement, before installation on the window. This preliminary preparation ensures secure attachment while simplifying the on-site installation process, as the unit requires only straightforward mounting without complex assembly steps during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If fall protection elements are permanently fixed to the frame, then security is ensured, but disassembly and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddisassembly capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system incorporates reversible fastening mechanisms that provide secure fixed attachment during normal use but allow for controlled disassembly when needed. The screw connections and mounting features are designed to maintain strong holding force while enabling removal and reinstallation, facilitating maintenance, repair, or relocation of the fall protection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3677746B1Profile unit for roller guide and fixing at least one fall prevention element to a post or frame of a window

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 VEKA AG

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A profile unit (100) for guiding a roller shutter and attaching at least one fall protection element (220) to a frame (210) comprises: - a frame profile with a groove for framing the fall protection element (220) at its edge, - a roller shutter guide rail (130) with at least one guide groove (131) for guiding the roller shutter; A superstructure profile (110) designed as a hollow profile is provided, which has an angled profile configuration with a base area (111) and a connection area (112) arranged perpendicular to it, into which a reinforcement profile (140) is inserted. The frame profile is designed in two parts, with an intermediate profile (150) and a guide profile (120), wherein the intermediate profile (150) is connected to the reinforcement profile (140) in the superstructure profile (110) by means of connecting elements (102) extending parallel to the outer visible surface.The guide profile (120) and/or the mounting profile (110) are provided with a positive locking element (123) onto which the roller shutter guide rail (130) can be snapped.