Multi-level Window Shutter with Integrated Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external window shutter systems face challenges with multi-level installations due to complex mechanisms, exposure to weather elements, and impracticality for large window openings, as each shutter panel requires separate cable and pulley mechanisms and is not thermally insulating or weather-sealed.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level external window shutter system with a driving mechanism allowing simultaneous displacement of shutter panels, featuring a novel mechanism for internal and external panels that are hermetically sealed, thermally insulated, and easily activated from inside, using a flexible link and pulley system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each shutter panel has its own cable and pulley mechanism, then each panel can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and requires two bore holes in the wall for each panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable and pulley mechanisms into a single integrated driving mechanism. The drive shaft connects to a series of pulleys that control multiple shutter panels simultaneously, reducing the number of separate mechanisms from two per panel to one shared mechanism for all panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft serves multiple functions: it rotates to wind cables for opening shutters, reverses to unwind cables for closing shutters, and coordinates motion across multiple shutter panels through the pulley system. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple independent mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional external shutter systems are used for multi-level installations, then each level can be covered, but the mechanism is exposed to weather conditions and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is nested within the shutter assembly itself. The drive shaft and pulleys are positioned inside or integrated with the shutter panels and frame, rather than being externally mounted. This protects the mechanism from weather elements while still allowing it to control multiple shutter levels.
3Temperature
If shutter panels are designed for proper sealing and insulation, then thermal protection is improved, but the opening mechanism becomes complex and panels of different levels are alternately actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving mechanisms for different shutter levels into a single coordinated system. The drive shaft with its series of pulleys simultaneously controls multiple shutter panels, allowing them to open and close together rather than alternately, while maintaining the sealed and insulated panel designs.
4Area of stationary object
If more than two window panels are used, then larger window openings can be covered, but the window opening cannot be entirely uncovered due to inherent overlap of shutter panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shutter panels into a coordinated multi-level system where panels at different heights can overlap vertically. When opened, the upper and lower panels move in a way that allows complete coverage of the window opening, eliminating the gap problem that would exist with simple horizontal overlap of panels at the same level.
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 system provides effective protection from weather elements, improved thermal insulation, and efficient operation, allowing for seamless opening and closing of large window openings with minimal space requirements and the ability to handle obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a cable and pulley driving mechanism
Implementation Method 2
cable and pulley driving mechanism which permits the simultaneous opening and closing displacement of at least two shutter panels
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-level window shutter has a shutter frame movably supporting at least one first level external shutter panel via an external panel opening mechanism mounted on the shutter frame. The external panel movably supports at least one second level internal shutter panel via an internal panel opening mechanism mounted on the external panel and connected to the shutter frame and to the internal panel for simultaneous displacement of the internal panel upon displacement of the external panel relative to the shutter frame. The panels move between a closed position in which they are in a side-by-side configuration relative to one another in spaced apart parallel planes and an open position in which they are in an over-one-another configuration relative to each other in the spaced apart parallel planes.