Pivoting Curtain Mounting Arms for Large Barn Ventilation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable curtain systems for agricultural buildings face challenges in ease of installation and reliability, particularly as building sizes increase, making it difficult to control air flow effectively in large structures.

Innovation Solution

A retractable curtain system comprising a first curtain region, a motor assembly, and a mounting arm assembly that allows the curtain to move between open and closed configurations, with the motor assembly pivotally mounted to the building using a strong mounting arm assembly to facilitate reliable operation across large openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the building size increases to accommodate larger livestock herds, then the building capacity increases, but the curtain system installation difficulty and operational reliability worsen due to the increased length and height of side walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelivestock herd sizeVSAvoidcurtain system operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curtain system is divided into multiple curtain sections (first curtain section, second curtain section) that can operate independently. Each section has its own motor assembly and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to effectively cover large building openings while maintaining reliable operation of individual segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor assemblies are pivotally mounted to allow dynamic adjustment of the curtain sections between open and closed configurations. The pivotal mounting enables the curtain sections to move along the side wall openings, providing flexible ventilation control adapted to varying weather conditions and building size requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the building size increases to accommodate larger livestock herds, then the building capacity increases, but the ease of installation worsens due to the increased length and height of side walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelivestock herd sizeVSAvoidcurtain system installation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The curtain system is divided into multiple curtain sections (first curtain section, second curtain section) that can operate independently. Each section has its own motor assembly and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to effectively cover large building openings while maintaining reliable operation of individual segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor assemblies are pivotally mounted to allow dynamic adjustment of the curtain sections between open and closed configurations. The pivotal mounting enables the curtain sections to move along the side wall openings, providing flexible ventilation control adapted to varying weather conditions and building size requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the curtain system is designed to cover large openings in large buildings, then the ventilation control capability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation control capabilityVSAvoidcurtain system structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curtain system is divided into multiple curtain sections (first curtain section, second curtain section) that can operate independently. Each section has its own motor assembly and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to effectively cover large building openings while maintaining reliable operation of individual segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor assemblies serve multiple functions: they drive the curtain sections to move between open and closed positions, pivot to accommodate the motion of the curtain sections, and can be controlled independently to provide flexible ventilation management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively controls air flow by allowing easy transition between open and closed configurations, ensuring reliable operation even in large agricultural buildings, enhancing ventilation management and resisting wind forces.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting arm assembly includes at least one mounting arm for pivotally mounting the motor assembly with respect to the building

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9255418B2Retractable curtain system

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 RUSH COMPANY INC

AI summary

A retractable curtain system including a first curtain region, a motor assembly and a mounting arm assembly. The first curtain region is capable of substantially covering the at least one opening when in an unrolled configuration. The motor assembly operably is attached to the first curtain region for moving the first curtain region between the unrolled configuration and a rolled configuration. The mounting arm assembly includes at least one mounting arm for pivotally mounting the motor assembly with respect to the building.