Roller Shutter Top Element External Track for Appliance Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter systems face challenges in maintaining the protective properties of the top element while allowing flexible connection and maintenance of external appliance members without compromising the overall appearance or exposing internal components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an external track on the top element with a depressed configuration for receiving appliance members in a releasable connection, allowing for easy maintenance, retrofitting, and exchange without exposing internal parts, and enhancing structural strength through roll-forming for reduced material thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If appliance members are integrated into the top element of the roller shutter, then the protective properties of the top element are maintained, but the flexibility for maintenance and exchange of appliance members is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective properties of top elementVSAvoidmaintenance and exchange of appliance members
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The top element is segmented into the main top element structure and a separate track component. The track is integrated into the top element and provides a dedicated interface for appliance members, allowing them to be mounted and dismounted independently without affecting the protective function of the top element itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The track acts as an intermediary component between the top element and the appliance members. It provides a standardized interface that enables easy attachment and detachment of appliance members while preserving the integrity and protective properties of the top element structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If appliance members are connected to the top element, then the overall appearance is maintained, but the ease of maintenance and exchange is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall appearanceVSAvoidmaintenance and exchange of appliance members
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into the track (integrated into the top element) and the appliance members (separate components). This allows the track to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the top element while providing easy access points for mounting and dismounting appliance members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the top element and appliance members is made dynamic through the releasable track interface. Appliance members can be easily attached and detached from the track, enabling maintenance and exchange operations without permanent fixation, thus balancing aesthetic appearance with maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a separate box is used to connect appliance members to the top element, then the protective properties are maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective propertiesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track is merged with the top element structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate box. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the protective properties of the top element and providing a standardized interface for appliance members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The track serves multiple functions: it maintains the protective properties of the top element, provides a standardized interface for various appliance members, and enables easy attachment and detachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection boxes, reducing device complexity.

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

4Reliability

If appliance members are permanently fixed to the top element, then the protective properties are maintained, but the flexibility for retrofitting and exchange is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective propertiesVSAvoidflexibility for retrofitting and exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into the permanent top element with an integrated track and the separate appliance members. The track provides a standardized interface that enables appliance members to be mounted and dismounted easily, allowing for retrofitting and exchange while the top element itself remains permanently fixed and protective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from permanent fixation to a dynamic, releasable interface through the track. Appliance members can be easily attached and detached from the track, enabling flexible retrofitting and exchange operations while the top element maintains its permanent protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2390455B1Roller shutter having a top element adapted to receive one or more appliance members, screening assembly comprising such a roller shutter and one or more appliance members, and method of manufacturing such a screening assembly
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2390455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2390455B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2390455B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The screening assembly comprises a roller shutter having a top element (12) defining a longitudinal direction (x-x), and at least one appliance member (100, 120). The appliance member or members is/are releasably connected with the top element (12) of the roller shutter. More specific, the top element (12) includes a top cover (21), and the top cover includes an external track extending in the longitudinal direction on the outer side of the top cover (21), said track being adapted to receive each appliance member (100, 120).