Segmented Roller Shutter Box Strip for Thermal Expansion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller shutter boxes face difficulties in opening and closing due to thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, leading to stress and operational challenges with inspection flaps.

Innovation Solution

The roller shutter box is designed with a strip divided into two parts, allowing for adjustable movement and stability through non-one-piece construction, enabling compensation for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, with connections that can be adjusted for specific stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-piece strip is used, then manufacturing is simpler and structural integrity is higher, but thermal expansion causes stress and operational difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidoperational reliability under thermal expansion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The strip is divided into multiple segments (first strip segment, second strip segment, third strip segment) connected by connection elements. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without generating excessive stress, while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the roller shutter box.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If manufacturing tolerances are tight, then dimensional precision is better, but assembly and operation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional precisionVSAvoidopening and closing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the strip into multiple movable parts connected by connection elements, the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances through the cumulative small movements of each segment. The connection elements act as tolerance absorbers, allowing the roller shutter box to assemble and operate smoothly even with standard manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the strip is made as one piece, then structural stability is higher, but compensation for thermal expansion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strip is segmented into multiple sections connected by flexible connection elements that allow relative movement. This segmentation maintains structural stability through the overall framework while enabling each segment to move independently to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements between strip segments are designed to allow dynamic movement and adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the strip structure to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction by permitting controlled movement between segments, while maintaining sufficient structural stability for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If access panel functionality is added, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidhousing panel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing panels are designed with dual functionality: they serve both as structural components of the roller shutter box and as removable access panels for maintenance. This multi-functionality allows technicians to access internal components through the housing panels without requiring separate access mechanisms, thereby improving maintenance accessibility while minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This design enhances the ability to compensate for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring smooth operation and maintenance accessibility by allowing the strip to move and adjust, while maintaining structural stability and durability.

Implementation Method 1

thermally induced expansion or contraction of the strip can cause stress between the elements of the roller shutter box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3434855B1Roller shutter box
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 DRUTEX
  • EP3434855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3434855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3434855B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a roller shutter box with a preferably prismatic housing, wherein a strip is arranged along at least one edge of the housing, which is connected to a first housing plate (3) via at least one first connection that is not detachable during operation and to a second housing plate (4) via at least one second connection that is detachable during operation. The object of providing a roller shutter box in which the compensation of thermal expansion is better achieved according to the invention in that the strip consists of at least a first part (1) and a second part (2), and the first connection is made between the first housing plate (3) and the first part (1), and the second connection is made between the second housing plate (4) and the second part (2).