Shutter Fastener System With Eccentric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter fastening systems are inefficient in securing shutters firmly against adjacent trim, requiring excessive time and effort, and often necessitate the use of ladders for elevated windows, lacking a simple and effective one-man installation method from the inside.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising latching and anchor devices with a S-shaped spring-like latching element and an eccentric actuator, converting parallel latching force to a perpendicular force for secure engagement with trim, allowing one-man installation without a ladder, using manual operating means and vertical support for temporary holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fastening means (nails, screws, multi-part fasteners) are used, then shutters can be secured to trim, but installation requires excessive time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate latching and anchor devices that can be independently positioned on the shutter and trim respectively. This segmentation allows for simplified installation where each component has a specific function, reducing overall installation time and effort while maintaining secure fastening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The latching and anchor devices are pre-positioned on the shutter and trim during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and fastening operations, significantly reducing installation time and effort while ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment
2Ease of operation
If conventional fastening methods are used for elevated windows, then shutters can be secured, but a ladder is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be operated from the interior side of the shutter rather than requiring access to the exterior side. The latching device engages with the anchor device through the shutter thickness, allowing installation and operation to be performed from inside the building, eliminating the need for ladders when installing elevated windows
3Reliability
If simple fastening means are used, then installation is simpler, but shutters are not firmly secured against trim
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element employs an S-shaped curved configuration that provides resilient latching force. This curved geometry allows the element to flex and apply continuous pressure against the anchor device, ensuring firm engagement and reliable shutter security while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device utilizes elastic deformation of the S-shaped element to generate and maintain latching force. By changing the physical state of the latching element from rigid to elastically deformable, the system achieves reliable securement through resilient force application without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms
4Force
If latching force is applied parallel to shutter face, then engagement is strong, but perpendicular force to urge shutter against trim is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the latching force from a single dimension (parallel to shutter face) into two dimensions by incorporating an inclined surface on the anchor device. This inclined surface redirects a portion of the parallel latching force into a perpendicular component that urges the shutter firmly against the trim, providing both strong engagement and reliable weather sealing
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 a secure and efficient shutter installation method that withstands high winds, ensuring shutters remain firmly in place without projecting beyond the edge, facilitating easy installation and reducing installation time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
a generally S shaped spring-like latching element which in its unlatched condition resides wholly on one side of a shutter edge but which in its latched condition projects outwardly and spans the shutter edge to engage its corresponding anchor device with a strong but resilient locking force parallel to the face of the shutter
Implementation Method 2
a strong but resilient locking force parallel to the face of the shutter
Implementation Method 3
Conversion of a part of this force to a resultant perpendicular force is accomplished by means of an inclined surface on the anchor device
Implementation Method 4
An eccentric actuator for the latching element causes a hook at the free end of the S shaped member to first swing down into engagement with the anchor device and then to pull on the device with a resilient retractive force
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter and fastener system comprising a shutter and two or more fastener mechanisms each comprising cooperating latching and anchor devices, one device mounted on an edge portion of the shutter and the other on an adjacent trim portion. The latching device engages the anchor device and exerts a strong pulling force substantially parallel with the surface of the shutter. The anchor device converts a portion of this force to a perpendicular force resulting in firm engagement between the shutter and the trim portion. An installation method comprises the steps of proving a shutter with at least one latching device mounted thereon and a small opening in the shutter aligned with operating means for the device. An anchor device is provided on an adjacent trim portion and the operating means is actuated from inside the shutter though the small opening to secure the shutter in place. A hanger means for the shutter may also be provided and the need for a ladder in an elevated installation is obviated by passing the shutter outwardly through an opening and thereafter actuating one or more latching devices from within the structure.