Retractable Abutment for Louvrable Roller Shutter Apron
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealment devices with adjustable slatted aprons face issues during folding, as adjustable blades may remain in the open position due to blockages, leading to potential damage or blockage, causing damage to the control system and apron.
Innovation Solution
A retractable abutment is introduced that moves between a folded and deployed position to prevent the folding of the apron, cooperating with the adjustable blade system to control its passage and prevent damage by interrupting the folding movement when blades are blocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the apron is allowed to fold with adjustable blades in the open position, then the folding operation can proceed without interruption, but the adjustable blades may come to rest against the box or masonry causing damage, blockage, or destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable abutment is deployed in advance before the folding operation begins when blades are detected to be in the open position. This preliminary action prevents the blades from contacting the box or masonry during subsequent folding, eliminating the need to interrupt the folding operation while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable abutment acts as an intermediary element between the adjustable blades and the box/masonry structure. By positioning the abutment in the path of folding blades, it provides a controlled stopping point that prevents direct contact between the blades and the rigid box or masonry, thereby preventing damage while allowing continuous folding operation.
2Reliability
If the retractable abutment is deployed to prevent folding when blades are blocked, then damage to the control system and apron is prevented, but the folding operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection means that monitor the position of adjustable blades during operation. When blades are detected to be in the open position or blocked, the system provides feedback that triggers the deployment of the retractable abutment. This feedback mechanism ensures the abutment is deployed only when necessary to prevent damage, minimizing interruption to folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable abutment is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable rather than permanently fixed. It can be extended to prevent folding when needed and retracted to allow normal folding operations. This dynamic characteristic reduces the impact on productivity by limiting interruptions to only those moments when blade blockage is detected.
3Reliability
If the apron structure includes a retractable abutment mechanism, then protection against damage is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable abutment mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it prevents blade contact with the box during folding operations, provides a stopping point for blocked blades, and can be integrated with the existing apron structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive protection without requiring separate systems for each protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable abutment is integrated with the existing apron structure and control system rather than being a completely separate addition. The detection means for monitoring blade position are combined with the control mechanism for the abutment, creating a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to having independent protection systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~2
AI summary
The device (9) has a retractable stop (90) movable between a retracted position in which the stop is recessed with respect to an apron, and a deployed position in which the stop cooperates with the apron for preventing folding of the apron. A control unit (93) cooperates with a directional blade, where orientation of the blade is controlled for controlling a passage of the stop from the retracted position to the deployed position under the effect of folding of the apron. An independent claim is also included for a screening device.