Roller Shutter Attachment with Adjustable Rigid Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter systems require an adjustment phase during installation and are not adaptable to varying dimensions, leading to potential unauthorized maneuvers when in the closed position.
Innovation Solution
A protective roller shutter with an attachment system comprising contiguous rigid blades linked by flexible connections, featuring unidirectional locking means and adjustable length to automatically adapt to the upper part of the apron, preventing involuntary lifting by stiffening at a certain radius of curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-length attachment is used to connect the drum and apron, then the attachment can be simple in structure, but it cannot adapt to varying dimensions and requires an adjustment phase during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic adjustable-length structure. The rigid blades can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the attachment length to vary automatically based on the distance between the drum attachment point and the apron upper part, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment length parameter is made variable through the sliding mechanism between rigid blades. The distance between blades can change along the longitudinal direction, enabling the attachment to adapt to different dimensional requirements without requiring a complete redesign or manual adjustment during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment length is made adjustable to adapt to different dimensions, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into multiple rigid blades that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the attachment to achieve adjustability through simple relative movement between discrete components, rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism. Each blade remains structurally simple while collectively providing adaptive length adjustment.
3Reliability
If rigid blades are used to stiffen the attachment, then the attachment can prevent unauthorized lifting, but it cannot wrap around the drum when the apron is in the high position
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid blades are designed to be slidable relative to each other, creating a dynamic structure that can change its configuration. When the apron is in the high position, the blades can slide to allow the attachment to wrap around the drum. When the apron is in the low position, the blades stiffen to provide anti-lifting security, thus combining flexibility and rigidity in different operational states.
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
Eliminates the need for an adjustment phase during installation, ensures the attachment is effective across different dimensions, and prevents unauthorized lifting by automatically adapting to the apron's position, enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
linked by means flexible connection, allowing said attachment to wrap around the drum when the apron is in the high position
Implementation Method 2
said attachment being constituted by contiguous rigid blades, arranged parallel, linked together by means flexible connection, allowing said attachment to wrap around the drum when the apron is in the high position and to stiffen in a certain radius of curvature when the apron is in the low position
Implementation Method 3
said adjustment means are constituted, at the level of the attachment point, by unidirectional locking means capable of locking the attachment for a said adequate attachment length when the drum is operated in rotation in the direction of unwinding of the apron
Implementation Method 4
capable of sliding under the action of the weight of the apron when the drum is operated in rotation in the direction of winding of the apron
Implementation Method 5
said one-way blocking means being constituted by a fixing rider secured to said drum and a transverse toothing arranged longitudinally to the attached to said rigid blades
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The apron is placed within a framework of the shutter, which is rolled up around a receiving drum for blockage in rotation. The fastener (4) is introduced between a hang point (5) of the drum (3) and an upper part (6) of the apron (1). The fastener has an articulation element rolled up around the drum when the apron is in high position, and a rigidifying element, which prevents involuntary or untimely raising, when the apron is in low position. The adjuster automatically adjusts the fastener dimension, when the apron is placed in a lower position. The adjustment is made at the level of the hang point by one-way blocker to block the fastener, when the drum is activated in rotation in an unwinding direction of the apron and to slip under the action of the weight of the apron when the drum is activated in rotation in a rolling direction of the apron. The blocking is done by a fixing rider to fix the drum, where the rider is cooperated with a transverse teeth (11) disposed longitudinally with the fastener. The fixing rider has a return wing, which is capable to be slipped/blocked according to the displacement direction of the fastener by the teeth. The transverse teeth has an orthogonal triangular section or in the form of hook. The fastener comprises a contiguous rigid blades which are parallelly disposed and connected by a flexible bonds. The blades and the bonds comprise a monolithic element, where the flexible bonds are realized by cavities constituting of weakenings of section, where the blades are fixed to a flexible element. A fixing agent fixes a monolithic element or a dismountable element to the body of the fastener, which inturn fixes to the upper part of the apron. The shutter further comprises a connection spring, which is distinct from the fastener and is cambered in a lower position to push downwards and is placed in position of the last upper blade of the apron. In the shutter, the upper end of the fastener comprises a stopper rod, which is cooperated directly/indirectly with the drum to the level of the hang point to allow raising the apron, when the drum is activated in the rolling direction.