Sliding Folding Shutter Dead Center Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding and folding shutters face challenges in achieving a fully closed state with shutter elements in a common plane due to dead center alignment issues, leading to increased wear and aesthetic concerns from additional drive components.
Innovation Solution
A sliding and folding shutter system that aligns shutter elements in dead center or over-center alignment using an engagement unit with a pivotable engagement arm driven by an engagement motor, combined with a main drive for linear displacement, allowing seamless opening and closing without external pivoting levers, thus integrating the drive for a more aesthetically pleasing and durable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If shutter elements are aligned in a common plane when closed, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but dead center alignment prevents linear displacement for opening/closing
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement unit performs preliminary action by engaging with the shutter element before the linear displacement drive acts on it. The engagement arm pivots to a position where it engages the shutter element, creating a mechanical advantage that allows the linear displacement to overcome dead center alignment and enable smooth opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the linear displacement drive and the shutter element. It translates the linear motion into effective pivoting motion by engaging with the shutter element at a specific point, allowing the system to overcome the dead center alignment limitation while maintaining the aesthetic common plane alignment.
2Ease of operation
If additional pivoting levers are added to overcome dead center alignment, then operational capability is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement unit merges the functions of dead center overcoming and shutter element engagement into a single integrated mechanism. Instead of adding separate pivoting levers for each function, the engagement arm combines both operations, reducing the number of components while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement unit serves multiple functions: it engages with the shutter element, overcomes dead center alignment, and enables linear displacement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Force
If spring arrangements are used between shutter wings, then closing force is improved, but wear and limited drive force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a linear displacement drive system that uses a motor or similar actuator. This substitution eliminates the wear problems associated with springs and belts, providing more reliable operation while maintaining the necessary closing force through direct mechanical actuation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The shutter (1) has a main drive (81) controlled for direct or indirect linear displacement of a main guiding member (56) towards a main axis in an opening position i.e. overall opening position, of the shutter. A closing sequence is enabled during the opening position of the shutter, and the main drive is directly or indirectly and linearly displaced toward a closed position and away from the main axis. An engaging unit (70) is controlled in the closed position when a dead center adjusting region is pivoted towards charging elements (10). USE : Sliding-folding-shutter for closing and opening a part of a building opening e.g. window and door (all claimed), for sun protection. ADVANTAGE : The shutter is designed in such a manner that the main drive is easily and widely integrated in the shutter and the charging elements are provided in the closed condition of the shutter in a common plane horizontal direction. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a schematic side view of a sliding-folding-shutter with four charging elements in an intermediate position. 1 : Sliding-folding-shutter 10 : Charging element 56 : Main guiding member 70 : Engaging unit 81 : Main drive.