Modular Slat Coupling for Synchronous Tilting and Easy Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slat guides for protecting areas against weather and wind are complex to install, aesthetically unattractive, and difficult to repair when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A slat control system comprising at least two coupling pieces and an operating means that tilts slats synchronously, allowing for easy installation, operation, and repair by coupling slats via the coupling pieces and operating means, which extends along the slats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slat guides are used to control slat tilting, then the slats can be protected against weather and wind, but the installation becomes complex and repairs become difficult when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate modular components: individual coupling pieces for each slat and a separate operating means. This segmentation allows each component to be independently replaced if damaged, simplifying repairs while maintaining the protective function of the slat system
2Reliability
If traditional slat guides are used to control slat tilting, then the slats can be protected against weather and wind, but the installation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized coupling pieces and operating means that can be independently installed on each slat. This modular approach simplifies the installation process compared to traditional integrated slat guides, while ensuring reliable weather and wind protection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces are designed as universal components that can be attached to multiple slats using the same attachment mechanism. This universality simplifies installation by allowing repeated use of identical components across the entire slat assembly, reducing installation complexity while maintaining protective reliability
3Ease of operation
If the operating means is positioned close to the slats for direct control, then the operation is efficient, but the risk of hand or fingers becoming trapped increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pieces serve as intermediary components between the operating means and the slats. They transmit the tilting force from the operating means to the slats while maintaining a safe distance, eliminating the direct contact hazard while preserving efficient operational control
4Ease of operation
If the operating means extends along the slats to couple them individually, then the accessibility and ease of operation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating means is designed as a universal component that can couple to multiple slats through standardized coupling pieces. This universality allows the system to achieve improved accessibility and ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same component design is repeated across multiple slats
Data Source
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AI summary
A slat control system configured to control the tilting of two or more slats which are mounted tiltably in an opening of a slat frame, the slat control system comprising at least two coupling pieces and an operating means, wherein each of the at least two coupling pieces is respectively couplable at a first outer end to a side of one of the two or more slats and is couplable at a second outer end to the operating means so that the operating means extends along the two or more slats and is configured to tilt the two or more slats substantially synchronously between a first tilting position and a second tilting position when the operating means moves, wherein in the first tilting position the slats close the opening of the slat frame and in the second tilting position the slats leave the opening of the slat frame at least partially open.