Roller Shutter Stop Device with Elastic Branches for Automatic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shutter stop technologies face difficulties during disassembly, requiring tools to access and compress flexible branches within guide rails, and often result in excessive force that can block the unwinding process, especially when most of the apron is rolled up.
Innovation Solution
A roller shutter stop with two flexible branches that can move between rest and active positions, where the branches can automatically return to their rest position due to elasticity, allowing for easy disassembly and preventing unwinding in the active position, utilizing a movable activation element that automatically engages when the apron reaches the bottom of the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible stops with elastic branches are used to prevent winding, then the roller shutter can be stopped effectively, but disassembly becomes difficult requiring tools to access and compress branches in inaccessible places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression function from manual tool operation by introducing an automatic compression mechanism. The movable element is automatically compressed by the roller shutter apron during normal operation, storing elastic energy that automatically activates the stop function without requiring manual tool intervention for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the roller shutter's own movement to activate the stop mechanism. The apron's downward movement automatically compresses the movable element, which then automatically engages the flexible branches to prevent winding, eliminating the need for external tools or manual operation.
2Reliability
If compression force is increased to ensure stop function, then winding prevention is improved, but blocking of the apron during unwinding may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression force adjustable and conditional. The movable element's compression level is dynamically controlled based on the operational state - sufficiently compressed to engage stops during winding, but allowing sufficient play to prevent blocking during unwinding. The flexible branches provide dynamic response that adapts to the direction of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of compression force based on operational needs. The movable element is positioned and compressed to provide appropriate stopping force in one direction while maintaining flexibility to allow movement in the opposite direction. The flexible branches' elastic properties enable parameter adjustment of the stop force.
3Reliability
If two stops are placed at each end of the last slat, then winding prevention is comprehensive, but disassembly operation must be repeated twice at different places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate stop mechanisms into a single integrated movable element. Instead of having two independent stops requiring separate compression operations, one unified movable element with flexible branches provides stopping action at both ends simultaneously, reducing disassembly to a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element serves multiple functions: it provides stop prevention at both lateral ends of the apron, automatically compresses during normal operation, and enables disassembly through a single access point. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate operations needed while maintaining comprehensive wound prevention.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient disassembly of the roller shutter by allowing free movement in both directions initially and automatically engaging to prevent unwinding, reducing the need for excessive force and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
the branches of the V return under the effect of their elasticity to their initial position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The shutter (5) has an articulated blade apron (6) unrolled in an opening of a building. A stopper activation unit (7) is cooperated with a stopper (3) so that the stopper is movable between rest and active positions. The stopper has V shaped flexible arms (10) between which the unit is arranged in mobile translation manner according to rest and active positions to allow connection and spacing of the arms corresponding to the stopper positions, respectively. The arms are spaced under deformation effect of the arms. The unit has a movable element (21) in contact with a base (4) of the opening. The activation unit and the stopper form a blade end fitting.