Modular Stiffening Element for Roller Shutter Housing Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stiffening elements for roller shutter boxes are not easily adaptable to different heights and depths, and they complicate access for inspection and maintenance due to their fixed design, requiring separate elements for each size and making disassembly or replacement difficult.

Innovation Solution

A modular stiffening element composed of three parts – a floor attachment element, a ceiling connection element, and a connecting element – with adjustable fastening mechanisms, including screws and projections/recesses, allowing for flexible adaptation to various roller shutter box sizes and easy assembly/disassembly without the need for complete disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bracket-shaped static brackets made of metal are used as stiffening elements, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the adaptability to different heights and depths deteriorates and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidadaptability to different heights and depths
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element is divided into three separate components: a floor attachment element, a connecting element, and a ceiling connection element. These segments can be independently adjusted and connected through the connecting means (screw or rivet) to accommodate different roller shutter box dimensions while maintaining structural rigidity through the form-fit connections and attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates adjustable features including multiple fastening bores, elongated holes, and form-fit connections that allow dynamic adaptation to different heights and depths. The connecting means can be positioned at various locations and the entire assembly can be disassembled and reconfigured for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If conventional bracket-shaped static brackets made of metal are used as stiffening elements, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the ease of operation for inspection and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidaccess for inspection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modular three-part design allows the stiffening element to be easily disassembled by removing the connecting means, providing clear access to the roller shutter curtain for inspection and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity when assembled through form-fit connections and attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate stiffening elements are required for each height or depth, then the adaptability to different sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sizesVSAvoidnumber of separate elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal stiffening element design with adjustable features (multiple fastening bores, elongated holes, form-fit connections) can accommodate various roller shutter box sizes and configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple separate stiffening elements for different heights and depths, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.

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

4Device complexity

If a direct connection of the connection points is made, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the ability to bypass the rolled-up roller shutter deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidability to bypass roller shutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element is configured to extend around the rolled-up roller shutter in the depth direction, bypassing it to connect the floor and ceiling attachment points. This three-dimensional routing allows direct structural connection while accommodating the presence of the rolled-up shutter, maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2711495B1Stiffening element for a roller shutter housing
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 VEKA AG
  • EP2711495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2711495B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2711495B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The stiffener element (10) has a ceiling connector (13) comprising a series of mounting holes or an oblong hole (13.2) and an orthogonally arranged web-like ceiling locking collar (13.1). A connector (12) is connected with a bottom connector (11) and the ceiling connector through connecting elements (14, 15) i.e. connecting bolts, which are inserted into one of the mounting holes or into the oblong hole. Web-like bottom locking collar (13.1) of the bottom connector and the ceiling locking collar of the ceiling connector are engaged with slot-shaped recesses (12.1, 12.2) of the connector.