Shutter Frame Corner Connection and Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window shutters face issues with weight, strength, durability, ease of installation, and operational efficiency, particularly due to failure of screw connections and welded joints under environmental stress and defects.
Innovation Solution
A unitary perimeter frame structure formed by interlocking longitudinal and corner connection members, using a lightweight yet strong material like T6 aluminum alloy, with corner connection members made of high-strength, non-brittle materials like nylon, providing a secure and flexible bond through adhesive interference fits, and a latch mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screw connections are used to assemble shutter rails, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to failure under environmental stress and repeated wind-induced flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable screw connections from the shutter frame assembly, extracting the fastening function to corner members that integrate the rails through adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking, eliminating the screws that fail under environmental stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by bonding aluminum rails to corner members using adhesive materials, creating a composite structure that combines the strength of metal rails with the flexibility and bonding strength of adhesive materials, improving reliability under wind loading
2Strength
If welded joints are used to connect shutter frame members, then strength is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to probability of failure from repeated flexing or weld defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates welded joints from the shutter frame construction, removing the welding process entirely and replacing it with adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking through corner members, thereby eliminating weld defects and failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from high-temperature welding to adhesive bonding at ambient or controlled temperatures, fundamentally altering the joining parameters to avoid thermal stress, metallurgical defects, and brittleness associated with welded joints
3Strength
If heavy materials are used to increase shutter strength, then strength is improved, but weight increases making installation and operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aluminum alloy rails bonded to corner members with adhesive, creating a composite structure that achieves high strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining strength while minimizing weight compared to solid metal construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shutter frame into separate rail members and corner members that are assembled together, allowing optimization of each component's material and weight while achieving overall structural strength through their integrated assembly
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
The solution enhances the strength and durability of shutters, reduces weight, and simplifies installation and operation, while minimizing the risk of failure under environmental stress, offering improved protection against wind and airborne objects.
Implementation Method 1
The rail engagement structures of each corner connection member and the receiving structures formed in the longitudinal rails are constructed and arranged such that each corner connection member secures and supports two longitudinal rail members to form two adjacent sides of, for example, a rectangle, with the corner connection member located at the vertex. The rail engagement structures of each corner connection member project into, and are preferably adhered to, the receiving structures of the longitudinal rails
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter having a unitary frame formed by four perimeter rails, each having a receptacle at each of its distal ends, with four connection members, each having structure inserted into and secured within one receptacle of each of two of the perimeter rails. Optionally, a latch pin is movable through a guide hole formed in one of the corner connection members. A further option is louvers extending through a center support.