Shutter Holder Step Design for Wind Load Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter holders fail to reliably lock door and window shutters in strong winds, as the lower edge can slide along a sloping or curved contact surface and jump out of the holder.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a step or notch in the contact surface, specifically a groove-shaped indentation or a rib, to catch the shutter edge in overload situations, requiring significantly more force to open and providing a secure catch area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shutter holder with a sloping or curved contact surface is used, then the shutter can be easily opened and closed, but the shutter can slide along the contact surface and jump out of the holder in strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning a step on the contact surface at a specific location before the shutter edge reaches the end of the contact surface. This step creates a preliminary barrier that prevents the shutter from sliding off during wind loads, while still allowing normal operation. The step is strategically placed to engage only under overload conditions, maintaining ease of operation during normal use while preventing shutter ejection in strong winds.
2Reliability
If the contact surface is made longer to provide more contact area, then the shutter can be held more securely, but the shutter edge can slide further along the surface before being stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the contact surface into two functional zones: a sloping or curved contact area for normal shutter operation and engagement, and a distinct step feature that segments the surface to create a hard stop. This segmentation allows the shutter to engage smoothly on the first portion while the step provides a definitive barrier that limits sliding distance, preventing the shutter from traveling the full length of an extended contact surface.
3Reliability
If a complex mechanism is added to prevent shutter ejection, then the locking reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only a specific local region of the contact surface - adding a step at a particular location - rather than redesigning the entire shutter holder structure. This localized modification provides overload protection precisely where needed (at the point where the shutter edge might slide off) while leaving the rest of the structure simple and easy to manufacture. The step can be integrated into the existing contact surface geometry with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shutter holder for securing a door or window shutter to a fixed wall section comprises a fastening section for attaching the shutter holder to the wall section and a retaining section for engaging behind the door or window shutter in an outward direction pointing away from the wall section when the shutter holder is mounted. The retaining section has a contact surface designed for engaging behind an edge of the door or window shutter, which is inclined or curved in the outward direction. At least one step is formed in the contact surface to catch the edge of the door or window shutter in an overload situation.