Roller Blind Laths with Adjustable Spacing Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter systems face limitations in commercial diffusion due to incompatibility with existing window dimensions, complexity in realization, and excessive dimensions when wound up, which affect their blackout, solar screening, and wind screening efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter system with laths constrained using flexible bands and 'C' hooks, 'U' hooks, and plugs, allowing for adjustable spacing and reduced wear, enabling compact winding and compatibility with standard window guide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laths are constrained using articulated rods or chains to allow spacing adjustment, then solar screening and wind screening functions are improved, but device complexity increases and compatibility with existing windows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lath profile is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first portion with a slot for spacing adjustment mechanisms, and a second portion for rigid connection. This segmentation allows the constraining mechanism to be simplified while maintaining the spacing adjustment capability, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex articulated rods or chains to connect laths, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple hook-constraint system where 'C' hooks and 'U' hooks with plugs create a straightforward mechanical connection that still enables spacing adjustment through the slot mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laths are spaced out using complex mechanisms, then solar screening function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive components such as plastic plugs and metal hooks that are easy to manufacture and replace. These components achieve the spacing adjustment function without requiring expensive precision-machined parts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between laths is adjusted by changing the position of the constraint along the slot in the lath profile. This parameter change approach allows for simple geometric adjustment rather than requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laths are constrained to allow spacing adjustment, then solar screening function is improved, but wear problems increase compared to fixed spacing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The plug acts as an intermediary element between the 'U' hook and the lath profile. This intermediary distributes the contact forces over a larger surface area within the slot, reducing wear on any single point and improving the reliability of the spacing adjustment mechanism over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates wide slots and appropriately sized plugs that provide a cushioning effect, distributing mechanical stresses and reducing wear before damage occurs. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents premature failure of the constraining mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If laths are wound up with spacing adjustment mechanisms, then solar screening function is improved, but radial dimensions of wound up roller shutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lath constraint system is designed to be dynamic, allowing laths to be spaced out when the shutter is lowered for solar and wind screening, but to be drawn closer together when wound up around the roller. This dynamic adaptation minimizes the radial dimensions during storage while maintaining spacing functionality during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing adjustment mechanism is nested within the lath profile itself, with the slot and constraint system integrated into the lath structure. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external spacing mechanisms that would increase radial dimensions when wound up.
5Ease of manufacture
If simple constraint mechanisms are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but wear problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug serves as a mediator between the simple 'U' hook constraint and the lath profile, distributing contact forces over a wider surface area. This intermediary element maintains the simplicity and low cost of the mechanism while significantly improving wear resistance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint system uses composite construction with metal hooks providing structural strength and plastic plugs providing wear-resistant contact surfaces. This combination of materials maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving durability and reducing wear problems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Roller shutter for blackout effect of windows comprising a plurality of parallel laths (2, 71-83) constrained with respect to each other so that they can be wound up around a roller (3), to which the first one of said laths is constrained, characterized in that a portion of said laths is spaceable with respect to each other and a portion of said laths is not spaceable with respect to each other, said not spaceable laths (71-77) being the first ones starting from said roller (3), and in that said spaceable laths (78-83, 221-224) are constrained with respect to each other by means of "U" hooks (5,54,90) sliding inside slots (2203,2204) provided in the profile of said laths.