Shading Box Closure With Removable Frame and Power Receptacle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accessing components within blackout or shading device boxes, such as roller shutter boxes, is difficult due to the inability to easily remove covers without causing damage, and attaching additional items requires damaging the building wall.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with functional elements that include a penetration for receiving an energy storage device, allowing automatic electrical contact and providing additional functions like fastening and cable routing without damaging the wall, and allowing access to internal components without removing the entire device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple cover is used to close the access panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the cover cannot be easily removed without causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover structureVSAvoidaccess to components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access panel is divided into a removable cover and a fixed frame structure. The cover can be easily removed from the frame without damaging the building wall, allowing access to internal components while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame acts as an intermediary between the cover and the building wall. The frame is securely fastened to the wall while the cover can be easily attached to and removed from the frame, solving the contradiction between secure mounting and easy access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is removed to access components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the building wall requires painting and/or plastering work to repair damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to componentsVSAvoiddamage to building wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access panel system separates the removable cover from the fixed frame that is mounted to the building wall. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily removed for component access without creating holes or damage in the wall itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves as an intermediary structure that is securely fastened to the building wall while allowing the cover to be easily attached and removed. This intermediary protects the wall from direct contact with the removable cover, preventing damage during access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional items are attached to the building wall, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to the need to damage the wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of additional itemsVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting to the building wall, supports the removable cover for component access, and offers attachment points for additional items such as curtains and blinds. This multi-functionality improves adaptability without requiring wall damage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The frame acts as an intermediary mounting structure that can accommodate various additional items without requiring direct attachment to the building wall. This simplifies installation while maintaining the ability to attach diverse items like curtains, blinds, and lamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional locking device is replaced with an enhanced version, then the adaptability is improved by adding functions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is enhanced with multiple functional elements including a receptacle for energy storage devices, cable management features, and attachment points for additional items. These multi-functional capabilities improve adaptability while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The enhanced locking device uses a nested structure where functional elements are integrated within the frame and cover components. The receptacle for energy storage devices is embedded within the frame, and cable management features are integrated into the cover, reducing overall complexity while adding functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables easy access to internal components and attachment of additional items without damaging the building, facilitating easy installation and removal of the locking device, and providing a secure, tool-free connection for energy supply and cable management.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrical contact element (11) is arranged within the receptacle (10) in such a way that an electrically conductive contact to the contact element (11) is automatically established by inserting the energy storage device (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3940184B1Closing device for a darkening or shading device box
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ALFRED SCHELLENBERG
  • EP3940184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3940184B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3940184B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a blackout or shading device box (1) for a blackout or shading device, in particular for a roller shutter, an awning, a Venetian blind or a blind, for installation in a building, wherein the blackout or shading device box (1) has a box housing (2) with an inspection opening (3) and a closing device (4) for closing the inspection opening (3).The blackout or shading device is characterized in that the closure device has at least one functional element (7) which has an opening through a wall of the closure device and a receptacle (10) accessible through the opening for receiving an energy storage device (8), wherein at least one electrical contact element (11) is arranged within the receptacle (10) such that an electrically conductive contact with the contact element (11) is automatically established upon insertion of the energy storage device (8). Alternatively, the functional element is an electrical connector (14) or a cable duct (48) in which several guide ribs (52) and/or spring-loaded hooks (50), in particular for partially gripping a cable (49), are arranged.