Self-Blocking Roller Shutter Apron Link Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking devices for roller shutter aprons face challenges in ensuring perfect alignment and consistent blocking pressure due to variable distances between the winding tube and the first slat, leading to tilting and inefficient locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking device with links that have pivot axes substantially perpendicular to the winding tube axis, combined with elastic means to adjust and maintain alignment, and a toggle joint design to ensure blocking pressure is applied in the plane of the apron, preventing tilting and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the self-locking device uses links hinged with a limited angle of rotation to brace between the winding tube and the first slat, then the blocking function is effective in a well-determined position, but the device cannot adapt to variable distances between the first slat and the winding tube, leading to misalignment and tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed-angle hinged links with a link that can rotate freely around an axis perpendicular to the winding tube. This dynamic rotation capability allows the link to automatically adapt to varying distances between the first slat and the winding tube, eliminating misalignment and tilting issues while maintaining the blocking function's reliability.
2Force
If the number of slats is determined to extend the first slat inside the box over at least half or two-thirds of its height, then the blocking pressure can be applied, but the first slat is not perfectly aligned with following slats due to variable distances, causing tilting under blocking force
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation capability of the link around an axis perpendicular to the winding tube allows it to automatically adjust to the variable distance between the first slat and the winding tube. This ensures that the blocking pressure is always applied in the correct plane, preventing tilting and maintaining slat alignment stability regardless of the number of slats or their extension into the box.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the self-locking device links are hinged to allow folding around the winding tube during opening, then the device can accommodate apron deployment, but the joints are strongly stressed during blocking, having to retransmit all thrust efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The link's ability to rotate dynamically around an axis perpendicular to the winding tube serves dual purposes: it allows the link to fold back against the winding tube during apron deployment while maintaining proper alignment, and it ensures that during blocking, the link is positioned optimally to transmit thrust efforts efficiently without subjecting the joints to excessive stress.
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
The solution effectively adjusts to varying distances and ensures consistent blocking pressure in the plane of the apron, preventing tilting and distributing forces efficiently, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of the roller shutter system.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means exerting on the link a return force tending to move it away from its retracted position substantially parallel to the winding tube
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
AI summary
The device has a link (9) connecting an apron of a rolling shutter to a winding tube (8) at its ends and across joints (11, 13). The joints respectively cooperate with the winding tube and the apron and include pivoting axes perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (17) of the tube. The link is slidingly mounted on the tube and/or on the apron of the shutter at one of the ends. An elastic return unit (28) exerts a restoring force on the link to move the link from its retracted position into its blocking position.