Pre-assembled Connecting Element for Sun Protection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun protection systems face challenges in installation efficiency due to complex assembly processes, potential thermal bridges, and moisture-related issues, leading to increased costs and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element for sun protection systems comprising a holding element, a bearing element, and a supporting element with a guide rail, where the holding element is latched into the support element using an engagement mechanism, allowing for pre-assembled installation and avoiding thermal bridges by self-supporting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the winding shaft is fitted precisely into the window or door lintel with adjustment, then the sun protection system can be properly installed, but the assembly time increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is pre-assembled in the factory with the bearing body and winding shaft pre-positioned. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments while maintaining precise fitting, as the pre-assembled unit is designed to fit into the lintel niche as a complete package.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the connecting element (with bearing body and winding shaft) and the lintel niche. The connecting element can be pre-assembled and tested separately, then installed as a unit, allowing precision work to be done in the factory rather than on-site.
2Strength
If the support element is connected to the wall with multiple screws, then the sun protection system is securely mounted, but thermal bridges form leading to moisture condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing body is extracted from direct wall contact and positioned within the lintel niche, supported by the connecting element instead of being directly screwed to the wall. This extraction removes the thermal bridge path while maintaining secure mounting through the latching mechanism and engagement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the wall structure and the bearing body. It provides mechanical support and positioning without creating a direct thermal bridge, as it is designed to fit into the lintel niche and hold the bearing body through engagement elements rather than direct wall attachment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element is accommodated in the support element with additional components, then the assembly is stable, but the number of screw connections increases assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element, bearing body, and connecting element are merged into a single pre-assembled unit. The engagement element and counter-element are integrated into the respective components, eliminating the need for separate screw connections during installation. The entire assembly is stabilized through the interlocking engagement mechanisms that are already in place during factory assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A connecting element (1, 101) for a sun protection system comprises a retaining element (2, 102), a support element (3, 103), and a support element (4, 104), wherein the support element (4, 104) includes a guide rail (40) for a curtain, the support element (4, 104) extending from the underside to the area of the ceiling of a building opening, and the support element (4, 104) supporting the support element (3, 103). The retaining element (2, 102) is received in the support element (3, 103). The retaining element (2, 102) is held in the support element (3, 103) by a locking element (32).