Roller Shutter Handle Rod Attachment Using Internal Elastic Clip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fixing a roller shutter crank rod to a member connected in rotation, such as pins and screws, are cumbersome, require additional tools, and result in visible and potentially lost components, compromising aesthetics and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring an elastic clip installed inside the rod, which engages with a tenon using a transverse lug and a holding protrusion, ensuring secure rotation and translation connections without external visibility, utilizing a groove and holes for secure anchoring and torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pin is used to fix the crank rod, then the connection is secure, but the pin is visible from outside and can get lost during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of visible parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is nested inside the hollow crank rod, with only its functional tip protruding slightly to engage the tenon. The pin is pushed through the rod from the inside using a tool inserted through the hollow center, so that the pin remains hidden within the rod structure while still providing secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a screw is used to fix the crank rod, then assembly is easier with common tools, but the screw is visible and affects aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidnumber of visible parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is nested inside the hollow crank rod, with only its functional tip protruding slightly to engage the tenon. The pin is pushed through the rod from the inside using a tool inserted through the hollow center, so that the pin remains hidden within the rod structure while still providing secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If an outer ring with a visible pin is used to stop translation, then the connection is secure, but the ring is visible and can escape during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of additional parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external ring component is completely removed from the design. Instead, the pin itself is pushed through the hollow crank rod from the inside, and its tip protruding through the outer wall provides both the connection function and the translation stop function, eliminating the need for a separate visible ring component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If multiple clips are installed to ensure secure connection, then the connection strength increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single pin component: the pin provides both the rotational connection (through its engagement with the tenon's flat face) and the axial translation stop (through its protruding tip). This eliminates the need for separate clips or rings while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a simple, quick, and aesthetically pleasing method for fixing the crank rod, with components fully integrated inside the rod, minimizing external visibility and preventing loss, while maintaining separate functions for axial stop and torque transmission.

Implementation Method 1

A solution consists, as shown in the drawings, in particular in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an elastic clip 12 made of plastic material, installed on the tenon 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2251554B1Attachment device between a handle rod of a roller shutter and a member rotatably connected to a shutter casing output or to the handle
Publication Date: 2013.01.30 ZURFLUH FELLER SA
  • EP2251554B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2251554B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP2251554B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The device (D) has a stud (5) integrated to a handle rod (1) and a member (3) rotatably connected to a shutter casing output (S) or to a handle (2). A stopping element (11) between the rod and the stud has a plastic clip (12) installed on the stud for engaging at inside of a hollow outer element (6) in a free space between the stud and an inner wall of the hollow element. The clip has an end part (13) shifted transversely for engaging in a hole (14) of the hollow element to establish retractable translation connection between the stud and the hollow element at the end of assembling process.