Roller Shutter Slats with Integrated Strap Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building closing systems with adjustable slats face issues such as slat bending due to weight, unsightly and fragile cables for transmission, increased assembly costs, and inability to apply to rolling shutters, which limit width coverage and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A roller shutter apron with slats connected in pairs via first and second transmission means, allowing free travel and integration into lateral guide channels, enabling rolling and openwork positions without cables, using straps as transmission means that can be retracted and providing a wide passage of light while maintaining concealment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If slats are given a large section to prevent bending, then structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslat structural strengthVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter is divided into multiple individual slats that are connected in sequence, with each slat being a manageable structural unit. This segmentation allows the use of lighter individual components while maintaining overall system strength through their interconnected arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adjacent slats are merged through connecting elements (hooks and eyes) to form a continuous structure. This combining of multiple smaller structural units creates the equivalent strength of a large section without the associated complexity and cost increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If connecting cables are used to prevent slat bending and enable transmission, then slat stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslat positional stabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vulnerable cable transmission system is extracted and replaced with a more reliable mechanism. The connecting hooks and eyes directly integrate the slats, eliminating the need for separate cable systems that are prone to fragility and malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting hooks and eyes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they prevent slat bending by providing structural support, enable the transmission of movement forces between slats, and maintain positional stability. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate cable systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If slats are connected by cables to prevent bending, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslat structural stabilityVSAvoidassembly cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting hooks and eyes are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These basic metal fittings are far cheaper than complex cable transmission systems while providing adequate structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

This principle does not apply to this patent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If traditional telescopic articulation is used in rolling shutters, then rolling capability is improved, but light and heat passage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling functionalityVSAvoidlight and heat penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation points between slats, which could potentially create gaps for light and heat passage, are designed with overlapping edges that convert these potential weaknesses into effective sealing surfaces. The slight separation in openwork position actually enhances the overlapping seal when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The slat edges are designed with specific local qualities including overlapping configurations and sealing surfaces at the articulation points. These localized features ensure that light and heat passage is blocked at critical areas while maintaining the overall rolling functionality of the shutter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2048320B1Roller shutter comprising a shade with tiltable slats

Publication Date: 2010.04.21 BUBENDORFF SA

Figure 1~7
Figure 8~11

AI summary

The apron (1) has adjustable blades articulately connected with each other by matched blade pairs, where each blade pair has two blades (2A, 2B) with a covering filler strip. The blade (2A) is integrated with transmission units (8) at ends (6A, 7A), where the transmission units present an empty stroke with respect to other transmission units (9). The transmission units (9) are integrated with ends (6B, 7B) of the blade (2B), where both the transmission units are formed under a form of straps made of metallic steel strap and plastic material.