Rotary Locking Mechanism for Roller Shutter Shafts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter securing devices are not easily operable, require significant effort, and are costly to manufacture and assemble, with existing solutions not easily adaptable to different shafts and recesses.

Innovation Solution

A manually operable rotary element with actuating arms and locking hooks that convert rotary movement into translational movement, featuring eccentric fastening projections, spring arms for secure locking, and a design allowing actuation with minimal effort using common tools, and a cover for protection and easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device with upper and lower plates and locking hooks is used, then reliable connection to the shaft is achieved, but the device requires significant effort to operate and is complex to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperational effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a rotary element for operation, actuating arms for movement conversion, and locking hooks for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, making the device easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining reliable connection through the coordinated action of these modular parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic system where a rotary element converts rotational movement into translational movement of the actuating arms. This dynamic conversion enables easy operation with minimal effort while the locking hooks maintain reliable connection when engaged, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism with multiple plates is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but the device is costly to manufacture and assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements (rotary element, actuating arms, locking hooks) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs compared to monolithic complex mechanisms, while maintaining fastening security through the coordinated engagement of the segmented components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a self-latching mechanism where the locking hooks automatically engage with the shaft recesses when the actuating arms are in the correct position. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional actuation mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring secure fastening through the inherent mechanical interlocking of the components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different shafts and recesses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshaft compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs universal actuating arms with slot openings that can accommodate different shaft configurations. The rotary element's eccentric fastening projections can be positioned to engage with various recess locations, allowing the same basic device design to adapt to different shaft types and orientations. This universality maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility through the modular arrangement of components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow adaptation to different shaft configurations. The actuating arms can be positioned at different angles, and the locking hooks can engage with recesses at various locations around the shaft. This dynamic adjustability maintains a relatively simple manufacturing process while achieving versatility across different shaft types through the flexible arrangement of the movable components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a simple and reliable connection to the winding shaft with easy dismantling, secure locking resistant to vibrations, and adaptability to various shafts, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

The rotary element (21) has an eccentrically arranged fastening projection (27) for each actuating arm (23), which extends through a slot (28) on the actuating arm (23), whereby a rotary movement of the rotary element (21) is converted into a translational movement of the actuating arms (23) including the locking hook (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

at least one spring arm (32) protrudes into the path of movement of the rotative element (21), which spring arm (32) engages in a peripheral recess (33) of the rotative element (21) to fix the locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2589742B1Device for securing roller blinds and roller doors
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 SELVE VERMOGENSVERWALTUNG GMBH & CO
  • EP2589742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2589742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2589742B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (10) has a roller shutter armor (12) rolled with a suspension in a recess (16) of a shaft (11). An end element (14) of the suspension pointed to the shaft comprises a detachable fastening mechanism (15) for detachable fastening of articulated connected links (13) at the shaft. The detachable fastening mechanism is formed from a hand-actuated rotation element at which two operating arms are movably fastened with locking hooks, where rotary movement is converted into a translative movement. The rotation element comprises an eccentric arranged mounting projection for the arms.