Louvre Shutter Rack and Pinion Drive with Double Shoot Bolt Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional louvre shutter systems lack efficient mechanisms for rotating louvres between open and closed positions and secure locking solutions, particularly in bi-fold configurations, which compromises their operational reliability and security.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rack and pinion louvre drive system with a double shoot bolt lock assembly, featuring a tilter pinion gear and modular tilter rack, ensures precise rotational alignment and secure locking of louvres through a combination of closed and open-sided rack gear recesses, enhancing both operational efficiency and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional louvre shutter systems use simple mounting mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of louvre rotation and locking is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tilt bars and simple latching mechanisms with a rack and pinion drive system. The rack is mounted to the stile and the pinion is mounted to the louvre, creating a positive engagement mechanism that reliably rotates the louvre between open and closed positions. The double shoot bolt lock assembly with corresponding rack and pinion components provides secure locking by engaging recesses in the rack, replacing simple mechanical latches with a more reliable gear-based system.
2Ease of operation
If bi-fold shutter configurations use only hinged connections, then ease of operation is improved, but security and locking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinged connection system with a dedicated locking mechanism in bi-fold shutter configurations. The end shutters are hinged to the opening for easy folding operation, while intermediate shutters incorporate the double shoot bolt lock assembly that engages with the rack system. This combination allows the shutters to fold easily while providing secure locking capability when closed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
3Ease of manufacture
If rack gear recesses are all open-sided for easy engagement, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of locked position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different configurations of rack gear recesses at different locations along the rack. Some recesses are open-sided to allow easy engagement by the pinion gear during normal operation, while other recesses are closed or partially enclosed to provide secure locking positions. The double shoot bolt lock assembly engages with these varied recess configurations, providing both ease of operation and secure locking. This local differentiation of recess quality resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability of locked position.
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 enables reliable and secure rotation of louvres between open and closed positions while providing enhanced security by ensuring the locking mechanism can only be unlocked properly, thereby improving the overall functionality and safety of louvre shutter systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rack and pinion louvre drive system including an externally operable rack reciprocably mounted in the drive system housing and a pinion mounted to the louvre axle, the pinion being engaged with the rack such that reciprocation of the rack rotates the louvre relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
a lock pinion gear forming part of a lock barrel that is mounted within the lock housing, the lock barrel being rotatably mounted such that, when rotated, the lock barrel rotates the lock pinion gear, the teeth of which are configured to mesh with the rack gear recesses
Data Source
AI summary
A louvre shutter comprising louvres 20 rotatably mounted in a frame on louvre axles, and a louvre drive system that, in summary, comprises a rack and pinion gear system including an externally operable rack assembly and a set of pinion gears 28 mounted to the louvre axles. The rack is externally operable rack and is reciprocably mounted in the drive system housing 42, 48. The pinion gears 28 mounted to the louvre axles are engaged with the rack such that reciprocation of the rack rotates the louvre 20 relative to the frame.