Roller Blind Lock Device with Segmented Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roller shutter locking devices for furniture face issues with user-friendliness and space optimization, as they require significant force to open and can lead to sluggish movement due to the last blind slat needing to pivot at a stop, causing potential stalling or interruption during the opening process.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter locking device with a coupling element that fixes the first roller shutter segment in position before the others, allowing for a combined translational and rotational movement, reducing the number of segments in motion and decreasing the required actuating force, thus enhancing smooth operation and extending the device's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the roller shutter is rolled up into several windings around a winding shaft or moved over a side panel, then the stowage device can accommodate the roller shutter, but the opening movement requires gradually increasing force and the operation becomes less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The roller shutter is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. The coupling element fixes the first segment separately from the others, allowing the remaining segments to be inserted sequentially without requiring the entire shutter to be moved at once, reducing the force needed during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element performs a preliminary fixing action on the first roller shutter segment before the other segments are fully inserted. This preliminary positioning reduces the complexity and force required for the subsequent insertion of remaining segments
2Reliability
If the last blind slat pivots at a stop to reach the recess of the housing, then the blind can be stored, but the opening movement may falter or be interrupted causing sluggish operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is extracted from the main roller shutter assembly and applied specifically to the first segment. This separate coupling mechanism prevents the entire shutter from experiencing the sluggish pivoting motion at the stop, as the coupled segment is fixed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the first roller shutter segment and the stowage device. It mediates the positioning by fixing the segment at an intermediate position before full insertion, avoiding the direct contact and sluggish pivoting that would occur if the last slat pivoted at the stop
3Ease of operation
If all roller shutter segments are moved and pivoted during opening, then the shutter can be opened, but wear and tear increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the roller shutter into independently controllable parts and fixing the first segment with the coupling element, the number of segments that need to be moved during opening is reduced. This segmentation decreases friction and wear on the guide rails and pivot points, extending the service life of the mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving all roller shutter segments during every opening operation, the coupling element allows the first segment to be fixed in position. This partial action approach means only the necessary segments are moved, reducing overall wear and tear on the system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 4c
AI summary
The unit has shutter segments insertable into an opening end position in sequence. A roller shutter segment is arranged at the shutter segments, where the roller shutter segment is cooperated with a coupling element. The coupling element is fixed in position with the roller shutter segment with respect to stowing away device (10) before reaching an open-end direction of a shutter. The coupling element is arranged at the shutter segment or the stowing away device. The stowing away device has a guide profile (12) for guiding a side edge of the roller shutter segments.