Shutter Drive System With Segmented Elastic Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive systems for rolling shutters experience jerks and inefficient operation due to the use of torsion springs in parallel with motors, leading to unsatisfactory winding fluidity and increased stress on components, and manual operation in emergency situations is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A drive system where the winding of the apron is achieved through an actuator, a main shaft, a rotating element with coupling means, and elastic means arranged in series, allowing for automatic rewinding by releasing the spring's energy when the coupling is disengaged, enabling quick and efficient apron ascent without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torsion spring is mounted in parallel with the motor to enable manual operation in emergency, then the ability to disengage the motor is improved, but jerks and disturbances occur during normal operation and the winding is not fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent elastic elements: first elastic means (torsion spring in parallel with motor) for emergency manual operation, and second elastic means (torsion spring in series with motor) for normal fluid winding. This segmentation allows each spring to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, eliminating jerks during normal operation while preserving emergency capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary that selectively engages or disengages the first elastic means from the drive train. During normal operation, the clutch keeps the first spring disengaged, allowing the second spring to provide smooth, jerk-free winding. In emergency situations, the clutch engages the first spring to enable manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a torsion spring is mounted in parallel with the motor to enable emergency manual operation, then the ability to raise the apron in emergency is improved, but the parts (engine and transmission) are too stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are segmented into two separate springs with distinct functions. The first spring handles emergency manual operation, while the second spring manages normal winding operations. This segmentation prevents the engine and transmission from being stressed by the combined forces of both springs operating simultaneously, as each spring operates independently in its designated mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation with a winch is provided for emergency situations, then the ability to raise the apron without motor power is improved, but the handling times are too long and additional instruments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service emergency operation through the first elastic means (torsion spring) that automatically raises the apron when the clutch is engaged, eliminating the need for external winches, handles, or additional instruments. The spring is pre-charged and automatically deploys when emergency mode is activated, significantly reducing handling time and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spring passes from a state of relaxation to a state of compression during winding and unwinding, then the motor can operate in different modes, but jerks and disturbances appear at the bulkhead level
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect is isolated by segmenting the elastic means into two separate springs. The first spring (in parallel with motor) is engaged only in emergency manual operation mode, while the second spring (in series with motor) handles normal winding operations. This segmentation prevents the first spring from causing jerks during normal motor operation, as it remains disengaged and does not interfere with the motor's smooth operation.
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 system provides rapid and fluid winding with reduced jerks, as the spring is only stressed during automatic winding, ensuring normal operation and eliminating the need for manual tools, with the apron being raised quickly and efficiently, even in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means which push the movable member back by default into a clutched configuration, in which the rotational coupling means cooperate so as to make the main shaft and the rotary element integral in rotation
Implementation Method 2
second elastic means adapted to drive the rotary element in rotation about the central axis in such a way that the apron is driven towards a rolled-up configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
This system (1) for driving a winding member (11) of a shutter apron that is windable about a central axis (X) in rotation comprises an actuator (3) that drives an output shaft (5), a main shaft (7) driven by the output shaft (5), a rotary element (9) that is rotatable and fixed in translation with respect to the main shaft (7), and rotates as one with the winding member (11), this element being equipped with first rotational coupling means (92), a member (13) that is movable in translation along the central axis (X) with respect to the rotary element (9), rotates as one with the main shaft (7) and has second rotational coupling means (132), first elastic means (19) that push the movable member (13) back by default into an engaged position, wherein the rotational coupling means (92, 132) cooperate so as to make the main shaft (7) and the rotary element (9) rotate as one, a controller (21) that is connected to the member (13) movable in translation and is designed to move the member (13) movable in translation into a disengaged configuration, wherein the rotational coupling means (92, 132) are separated from one another so as to rotationally disconnect the main shaft (7) and the rotary element (9), and second elastic means (25) that are designed to drive the rotary element (9) in rotation about the central axis (X) such that the apron is driven into a wound configuration. The second elastic means (25) drive the rotary element (9) in rotation about the central axis (X) such that the apron is driven into a wound configuration only in the disengaged configuration, and are interposed in series between the main shaft (7) and the rotary element (9).