Shutter Drive Trunk Box with Integrated Solar Collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for drive mechanisms of swing shutters in buildings require complex movement transmission members and wired electrical connections, which are aesthetically and practically inconvenient, especially when integrating with masonry, and often necessitate intervention on the masonry or modification of existing installations.
Innovation Solution
A trunk box design that extends partially below or above the shutter, with a visible solar collector-mounted side for energy supply to an enclosed drive motor, reducing the offset of the drive mechanism relative to the shutter axis and eliminating the need for wired connections by harnessing solar energy, thus avoiding masonry intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used to supply electrical energy to the drive motor, then the motor can be powered reliably, but it requires intervention on the masonry or modification of existing installations which is aesthetically and practically inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical power supply from the building's wired electrical installation and provides it through an autonomous source (solar panel) mounted on the trunk box itself, eliminating the need for wired connections through the masonry or window frame
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk box becomes self-sufficient by mounting a solar panel on its visible side to generate electrical energy autonomously, powering the drive motor without requiring external wired connections or intervention on the masonry
2Ease of operation
If the trunk box is placed outside the construction between the window and closed shutter, then it provides easy access for shutter operation, but it creates aesthetic disadvantages due to visible wiring and offsets the drive mechanism from the shutter axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the trunk box in the vertical dimension to span from below the threshold to above the lintel of the opening, allowing the drive mechanism to be positioned closer to the shutter axis while maintaining external accessibility for operation
3Reliability
If complex movement transmission members such as cams, connecting rods, and levers are used to connect the drive mechanism to the shutter, then the shutter can be driven effectively, but the structure becomes complex and aesthetically inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex movement transmission members (cams, connecting rods, levers) by directly connecting the drive mechanism to the shutter, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective shutter drive capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex transmission members to transfer motion from a remote drive mechanism to the shutter, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the drive mechanism adjacent to the shutter axis, enabling direct connection and eliminating the need for intermediate transmission components
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
This design brings the drive mechanism closer to the shutter axis, reduces the need for wired connections, and allows for energy self-sufficiency using solar collectors, enhancing aesthetics and simplifying installation without altering existing masonry.
Implementation Method 1
on which is mounted at least one solar collector for supplying electrical energy to a drive motor enclosed in said box
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The case (16) has a part (19) intercalated between one of the shutters (5, 5`) and a masonry in closing position of the shutters. The part (19) presents a part (22) which is apparent to the outer side of a construction (3) in closed and opened positions of the shutters, where the construction receives the shutters. A solar collector (21) is mounted on the part (22) for supplying power to drive a motor enclosed in the case.