Roller Shutter Flange Integration for Masonry Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting a roller shutter to a window frame are cumbersome, leading to increased assembly time and cost, and pose difficulties in sealing due to the extra thickness of connecting blades, making it hard to fit the assembly into masonry openings.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring connecting flanges that can be entirely housed within the end flanges or overmolded, with an L-shaped design and orifices for secure fixation, allowing for a flush installation and sealing without extra thickness, using an adapter profile and caps for enhanced sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connecting blades are used to secure the roller shutter box to the window frame, then the connection is achieved, but the connecting blades have greater thickness than the end flanges and vertical faces, making it difficult to install the assembly in masonry openings and achieve watertight sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidthickness of connecting component
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting flange is merged with the end flange as a single integrated component. The connecting flange is disposed entirely within the thickness of the end flange, eliminating the need for separate connecting blades that protrude beyond the flange thickness. This integration allows the roller shutter box to be secured to the window frame while maintaining a compact profile that fits within masonry openings and enables watertight sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting flange is nested within the end flange structure. The connecting flange is positioned inside the thickness of the end flange, with its edges recessed relative to the external faces of the end flange. This nesting arrangement allows the connecting function to be embedded within the existing flange geometry, avoiding additional thickness that would interfere with installation and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If connecting blades are used to secure the roller shutter to the window frame, then the connection is achieved, but the assembly time is far from negligible, increasing the overall cost of the assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting flange is pre-integrated into the end flange structure during manufacturing, rather than being installed separately during assembly. The connecting flange is disposed within the end flange and can be fixed by suitable means such as adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening before the roller shutter box is installed on the window frame. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate installation steps, reducing assembly time and cost while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If connecting blades with greater thickness are used, then the connection is achieved, but it becomes difficult to achieve a watertight seal between the roller shutter assembly and the masonry opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidwater infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting flange is merged with the end flange to create a unified, compact structure. By disposing the connecting flange entirely within the thickness of the end flange, the external profile of the assembly remains smooth and continuous, without protruding elements that would create gaps or irregularities. This streamlined profile enables effective watertight sealing between the roller shutter assembly and the masonry opening, preventing water infiltration while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3744940B1Flange for connecting a roller shutter
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 SOPROFEN SARL
  • EP3744940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3744940B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a linking device (4) of a roller shutter box (2) (1) to the frame of a window, said box (2) comprising at least two end flanges (2) and a lower plate (6), said linking device (4) being remarkable in that it comprises two linking flanges (7) each being entirely disposed in the thickness of one of the end flanges (3) of said box (2) and capable with means of securing said box (2) with at least the upper face of the frame of said window.