Parallel Hinge Slat Connection System for Roller Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roller shutter slat connection systems have a relatively thick hinge mechanism, which increases the winding radius of the slats when they are wound around the drive shaft, resulting in a more complex package.
Innovation Solution
The slat connection system reduces the thickness of the hinge mechanism by positioning the inner hinge and sealing member in parallel to the slat surface, with the sealing receiving portion protruding more than the outer hinge, thereby minimizing the overall thickness of the hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hinge mechanism is positioned perpendicular to the slat surface with traditional arrangement, then the sealing function is provided, but the thickness of the hinge mechanism protruding from the slat is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of the hinge mechanism from perpendicular to the slat surface to parallel with the slat surface. This dimensional change allows the hinge mechanism to achieve the same sealing function while significantly reducing the protruding thickness from the slat, directly resolving the technical contradiction between sealing effectiveness and thickness reduction.
2Reliability
If the hinge mechanism thickness is increased to ensure proper sealing, then the sealing function is improved, but the winding radius of the slats is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the hinge mechanism from a perpendicular arrangement to a parallel arrangement with the slat surface, the patent reduces the radial thickness that contributes to the winding radius. This dimensional change enables the slats to wind more compactly around the drive shaft while maintaining adequate sealing through the redesigned hinge geometry.
3Reliability
If the hinge mechanism is made thicker to accommodate sealing components, then the sealing function is provided, but the package complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the hinge mechanism structure itself, rather than using separate thick components. The hinge mechanism and sealing components are merged into a unified parallel arrangement, simplifying the overall package while maintaining the sealing function.
4Reliability
If the sealing member is positioned to cover the hinge mechanism perpendicular to the slat, then the sealing function is improved, but the overall thickness is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the sealing member from a perpendicular arrangement to a parallel arrangement with the slat surface, aligning it with the hinge mechanism. This dimensional change allows the sealing member to effectively cover and seal the hinge mechanism while minimizing the overall protruding thickness of the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a slat connection system for a roller shutter includes a plurality of slats pivotably hinged together, where each slat of the plurality of slats includes a slat body having a first edge and a second edge opposing each other, the inner hinge provided at the first edge, and an outer hinge provided at the second edge, where the inner hinge of a first slat of the plurality of slats is pivotably received in a hinge groove of an outer hinge of a second slat of the plurality of slats with a sealing member interposed between the first and second slats, and where the inner hinge and the sealing member are each positioned in parallel to a flat outer slat surface.