Pre-assembled Sliding Shutter with Concealed Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding shutter systems for windows and doors require complex assembly and installation by professionals, making them time-consuming and inaccessible for non-professional users, and they do not offer an aesthetically pleasing solution with visible frames and fixings.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled sliding shutter system with a frame and panels that can be easily installed by non-professionals, featuring adjustable feet for alignment, hidden fixings, and optional motorization for smooth operation, ensuring quick and simple installation while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional shutter systems are used, then the shutter provides functional coverage, but the assembly and installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring professional intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is pre-assembled with all necessary components (side uprights, crosspieces, fittings) prepared beforehand at the factory. The panels are pre-mounted on the frame with sliding mechanisms already installed. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site construction, allowing non-professionals to simply attach the complete assembly to the wall using provided fittings and screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Shape

If the frame structure is visible, then the mounting structure is functional, but the overall aesthetics of the shutter system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidframe visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visible frame structure is extracted or removed from the final installed appearance. The side uprights include fittings that allow the entire frame assembly to be mounted within the recessed doorway opening, concealing the frame behind the wall surface. When panels are closed, they completely cover any remaining visible portions of the frame, achieving an aesthetic appearance without sacrificing structural functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If professional assembly is required, then the shutter system achieves proper installation, but the time and skill requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter system is segmented into a complete pre-assembled unit (frame with panels already mounted) that functions as a single installation component. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be treated as one module rather than multiple separate parts requiring complex integration, enabling non-professionals to install it quickly while maintaining reliability through factory-quality pre-assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for rapid and straightforward installation by non-professionals, providing an aesthetically improved solution with invisible frames and enhanced security features, ensuring stability and reliability through adjustable components and anti-tearing mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

each panel comprises at least one upper wheel fixed at the level of an internal face of the panel, the wheel being arranged to roll on the upper crosspiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Wheel

Implementation Method 2

each panel comprises at least one lower roller fixed under the upper roller and arranged to roll under the crosspiece against the support of the upper roller, to improve the stability of the panels and the anti-intrusion character by blocking an upward translation of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

each panel comprises anti-tearing means cooperating with the upper crosspiece to prevent a translation of the panels in a direction orthogonal to said panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

each panel comprises a rack fixed to the internal face of said panel parallel to the upper crosspiece, and an electric motor is fixed laterally to each of the side uprights. Each electric motor rotates a toothed wheel arranged to cooperate with the rack of the corresponding panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 5

The electric motors can be supplied with electricity by being connected by a cable to a source of electricity, or else can be supplied by a battery, or advantageously by solar energy. According to this latter configuration, the electric motors are powered by a solar panel arranged on a cap fixed along the length of the upper crosspiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3585969B1Sliding shutter that can be quickly and easily mounted
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 EUROPORTE
  • EP3585969B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3585969B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3585969B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding shutter system characterised in that it comprises a pre-mounted assembly incorporating a frame (3) and at least one sliding panel (2), the frame comprising at least one side post (4a) extending upwards into a crossmember (6), said post (4a) comprising fittings (5) for securing same to a wall adjacent to an opening. The panel (2) is mounted to the frame (3) such that it can slide into: a closed position, in which it covers and conceals all of the frame (3); an open position in which it is intended to reveal the opening while concealing the post (4a); and an installation position in which the panel (2) slides to reveal the fittings (5) on the post (4a) and to allow the frame (3) to be secured to a wall.