Articulated Roller Shutter Fastener With Integrated Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter attachments face issues with deformation and breakage due to frequent use and exposure to external conditions, leading to unreliable operation and high maintenance costs, and require complex assembly and additional metal parts for anti-lifting systems.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter attachment with three articulated links featuring unremovable hinges, manufactured using a bi-material injection molding process, which eliminates the need for additional metal elements and simplifies assembly by integrating the attachment part into the link design, ensuring secure connection to the winding axis without manual assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If deformable fasteners are used to allow winding close to the axis, then the space required is reduced, but the fasteners lose deformation ability over time and breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple rigid links connected by hinges, allowing the structure to deform through hinge articulation rather than material deformation. This segmentation maintains reliability while achieving the required flexibility for compact winding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener transitions from a static deformable structure to a dynamic articulated mechanism. The hinges enable controlled movement and deformation through mechanical articulation, allowing the fastener to adapt its shape during winding while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If additional metal parts and complex hinge assemblies are used for anti-lifting security, then the security function is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-lifting security function is merged into the existing link structure. The lateral blades are integrated as part of the link itself rather than separate components, and the hinge design inherently provides both articulation and security functions, eliminating the need for additional metal parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure automatically provides anti-lifting security through its own geometry and articulation mechanism. The lateral blades and hinge configuration self-generate the security function during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate security components or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
The fastener (10) has a fastener link (16), an intermediate link (18) and a coupling link (20) that are hinged together. The fastener link comprises a fixing unit (26) at a winding axis (14). The coupling link is provided with a connecting unit (28) with a cover (12) for a roller shutter. The fastener link is connected to the intermediate link by a hinge (22). The intermediate link is connected to the coupling link by another hinge (24). The hinges connect the links in a fully demountable manner. The hinges are provided with hinge units. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a fastener.