Shutter Actuation Device Locking Mechanism for Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shutter actuation devices require complex and time-consuming mounting processes, involving multiple separate elements, as the flanges cannot be pre-mounted without falling off, making it impossible to pre-assemble the shutter frame with the actuation device and slats.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with two sections mounted in the shutter frame's uprights, featuring locking means with parallel ribs to hold flanges in place, allowing independent mounting on the frame, and synchronization bars to coordinate the rotation of flanges, along with fastening and locking mechanisms to secure the slats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flanges are mounted in the holes of the section without locking means, then the actuation device can be assembled, but the flanges will fall off and cannot be pre-mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means (protrusions on flanges engaging with recesses in sections) are designed to enable pre-assembly of the actuation device on the frame before slat installation. The locking mechanism prevents flanges from detaching during handling and installation, allowing the actuation device to be pre-assembled and tested independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are rotatably mounted within the holes of the sections, with the locking means providing internal retention. The protrusions on flange outer perimeters engage with corresponding recesses in the section, creating a nested structure where the flange is contained and secured within the section housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elements are used for mounting (uprights, sections, flanges, bars, slats), then the actuation device can be assembled, but the mounting process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device is divided into modular segments (sections mounted on uprights, flanges in holes, bars connecting flanges, slats with plugs) that can be assembled independently. The section-hole-flange-plug modular interface allows each component to be prepared separately and then quickly connected, reducing overall mounting time despite the multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation device components (sections, flanges, bars) can be pre-assembled and tested before installation on the frame. The locking means enables this pre-assembly by securing flanges to sections in advance, so that during final installation, the operator only needs to mount the pre-assembled actuation device as a unit rather than assembling all components on-site.
3Ease of operation
If the operator must insert flange and slat plug simultaneously, then connection is achieved, but the operation becomes wearisome and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate feature (protrusions and recesses) from the basic connection interface. This allows the flange to be secured to the section independently of the slat connection, separating the retention function from the connection function and simplifying the overall mounting procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug acts as an intermediary element that connects the slat to the flange. The plug is inserted through the flange housing into the slat, providing a simple push-through connection that eliminates the need for simultaneous insertion operations and reduces mounting complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation device (100) for the slats (5) of a wing of a shutter comprises two sections (1) intended to be mounted in the uprights of a frame of the wing, a plurality of flanges (2) that are rotatably mounted in holes (10) obtained in the sections (1), and locking means (B) disposed in such a way to hold the flanges and prevent the flanges (2) from coming out of the holes (10) of the section.