Louver Slat Locking Mechanism via Angled Slot

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slat construction mechanisms for moving and locking louvers are complex, requiring many joints which increase maintenance effort and can compromise sealing efficiency due to high mechanical stress and tolerance issues.

Innovation Solution

A simplified arrangement using a pivot bearing with a shaft, a connecting piece, a coupling rod, and a driver pin with a slot-shaped opening angled for locking, allowing for compact integration and reduced mechanical stress by minimizing the number of joints and leveraging the force from elastic sealing elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex arrangement with multiple lever arms and pivot joints is used to move and lock slats, then the locking function is achieved, but the number of joints increases maintenance effort and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of joints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (moving and locking) into a single integrated mechanism. The lever arm serves both as a moving element and a locking element, eliminating the need for separate locking components. The hook-shaped end of the lever arm directly engages with the bolt to provide locking, merging the locking function into the existing moving mechanism rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a moving element to open and close slats, and simultaneously serves as a locking element when in the closed position. The hook-shaped end provides both the moving action and the locking engagement, making this single component universal for both operations and reducing the total number of components needed.

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

2Ease of operation

If multiple pivot joints are used to couple slats together, then the slats can be moved as a unit, but the mechanical stress and tolerance issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat movementVSAvoidmechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the slat construction into individually movable slats that are coupled through a common lever arm mechanism. Each slat has its own pivot joint, but they are connected through the shared lever arm and coupling rod system, allowing independent movement while maintaining synchronized operation. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single joint while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the movement mechanism is arranged inside the slat construction for optical and protective reasons, then protection against environmental influences is improved, but the compactness requirement increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against environmental influencesVSAvoidcompact integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism is nested within the slat construction structure. The lever arm, coupling rod, and pivot joints are arranged inside the frame of the slat construction, utilizing the existing structural space. This nesting approach allows the mechanism to be protected from environmental influences while maintaining compact integration within the available space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 reduces maintenance requirements, maintains effective sealing, and prevents external opening by distributing forces efficiently, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of the slat construction.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot bearing (10) with an axis of rotation (10), a shaft (2) rotatably received coaxially in the pivot bearing (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

the counter-pressure of the elastic sealing elements, against which the slats are applied in the closed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a coupling rod (6), by means of which the slat (7) can be moved, the coupling rod being connected to the connecting element and to a driver device which has a driver pin (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion transmission:

Implementation Method 4

the opening (43) has an end angled at an angle (α) for locking the slat (7) by means of the driving pin (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3348772B1Device for moving and locking of lamellae of a lamella construction
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 HOMMER ERNST
  • EP3348772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for moving and locking the slats of a louvered structure, which is used particularly in building installations. The invention is based on the objective of creating a low-maintenance arrangement for moving and locking a louvered structure that consists of as few, simple components as possible. This objective is achieved by an arrangement for moving and locking the slats of a louvered structure in which a connecting rod, capable of one degree of freedom, is provided with a drive pin that is guided in an angled elongated hole. This elongated hole belongs to a drive mechanism that is connected to a slat, so that the linear movement of the connecting rod is converted into a rotary movement of the slat.At the same time, the design of the elongated hole creates a locking mechanism after the slat is closed, so that the slat cannot be opened from the outside.