Roller Shutter Slat Orientation via Winding Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller shutter systems with adjustable slats are cumbersome and costly due to the need for multiple actuators and complex mechanical systems to orient the slats, leading to rapid wear and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter system with pivotable slats driven by a single actuator, where the slats pivot about a lateral axis, utilizing a pair of rods and a disk mechanism to convert rotational movement into translational movement, eliminating the need for additional actuators and electronic control, and allowing slat orientation through additional rotation of the winding shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators and complex mechanical systems are used to orient the slats, then slat orientation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slat orientation function with the existing apron raising/lowering mechanism by using the same winding shaft to drive both functions. The pivot guides are integrated into the slide structure, and the rods connecting the pivot guides are moved by the apron's vertical translation, eliminating the need for separate actuators for slat orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding shaft serves dual functions: it raises and lowers the apron through its primary rotation, and simultaneously orients the slats through the rotational movement of the rods connected to the pivot guides. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining both apron control and slat orientation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators and complex mechanical systems are used to orient the slats, then slat orientation functionality is achieved, but maintenance cost and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the orientation mechanism into the existing apron raising/lowering system, the patent reduces the number of moving parts and connection points that could wear out. The pivot guides are supported by the slide structure rather than requiring separate actuation mechanisms, reducing potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the apron's own vertical movement to drive the rod rotation that orients the slats. The mechanical energy from the apron's raising and lowering operation is utilized to perform the orientation function, eliminating the need for additional powered actuators that would require maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuators are added to orient slats, then slat orientation is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the orientation function into the existing apron mechanism, eliminating the need to purchase, install, and maintain separate actuators. This reduces material costs, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing expenses while achieving the desired slat orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing winding shaft and apron mechanism are made multi-functional, serving both the primary apron control function and the secondary slat orientation function. This eliminates the need for additional components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full functionality.
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 system simplifies slat orientation, reduces maintenance costs, and eliminates the need for additional actuators, providing a compact and economical solution for solar protection and closure applications.
Implementation Method 1
a member for indicating the absence of blades comprising a first part fixed to the shaft and a second part elastically urged to move away from the shaft
Implementation Method 2
means for converting the rotational movement of the disk into a movement of translation allowing the drive in translation of the two rods by the disc when the disc is in motion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention proposes a closure or solar protection installation (20) comprising: a member (94) comprising a first portion (96) secured to the shaft (52) and a second portion (98) elastically biased to move away from the shaft (52), the second portion (98) being pressed against the shaft (52) by blades as long as the apron (56) is not in the low position, the second portion (98) comprising a lug (100) at one end, the lug (100) being capable of following the path (92) when the shaft (52) is driven in rotation beyond the low position of the apron; a disc having an axis concentric with the winding shaft (52), the disc being driven in rotation by the lug (100) when the lug (100) follows the path (92); and means (108) for converting the rotational movement of the disc into a translational movement allowing the two rods (88) to be driven in translation by the disc when the disc is moving.