Roller Blind Slat Stability via Hidden Cable Embossing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter designs face issues with slat connection stability, appearance, and functionality, particularly with the use of holding elements like sleeves that affect the filigree appearance and hinder winding, and tubular elements that are unstable and prone to buckling.
Innovation Solution
The slats are connected using a flexible cable with embossing to secure them in place without visible holding elements, utilizing solid light metal profiles and concave designs to maintain stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sleeves are used to hold slats on the cable, then the slats are secured in place, but the filigree appearance is impaired and the cable area is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sleeve holding element from the cable area entirely. Instead of placing sleeves on the cable to hold slats, the design uses the cable itself in conjunction with embossings in the slats to create a hidden fixation mechanism that does not block the cable's visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The embossing acts as an intermediary element between the slat and the cable. The embossing is formed by pressing the slat material against the cable, creating a hidden fixation point that secures the slat without requiring visible holding elements like sleeves.
2Reliability
If rigid wire is used to connect slats, then connection stability is improved, but winding capability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the connection element by using a flexible cable instead of a rigid wire. The cable maintains sufficient strength to hold the slats securely through the embossing mechanism while possessing the flexibility needed to allow the slats to wind and unwind smoothly.
3Shape
If tubular elements are used for slats, then structural form is achieved, but stability is reduced and buckling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality reinforcement by creating embossings at specific locations where the slat material is pressed against the cable. This localized reinforcement provides stability where needed without requiring the entire slat to be constructed from highly stable materials, allowing the use of lighter materials like aluminum.
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
This solution provides a stable, aesthetically pleasing roller shutter with slats held at a defined distance on the cable, maintaining a filigree appearance and allowing for easy production and operation without additional fixing means.
Implementation Method 1
the slats are fixed on the cable by means of an embossing in the area of the bore, with which the material of the slats is pressed against the cable
Implementation Method 2
an embossing in the area of the bore, with which the material of the slats is pressed against the cable
Data Source
AI summary
The rolling shutter (2) has multiple fins (3) coupled together, each of which has a bore (9), which is penetrated by a flexible rope, particularly a wire rope, on which the fins are held in spaced manner. The fins are held on the rope such that no holding element is visible and arranged on the rope in the area between the fins.