Shutter Panel Assembly with Sliding Aperture Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutter panel assemblies for architectural openings face challenges such as high manufacturing costs and time, limited adaptability to non-traditional styles, and issues with sunlight durability and precise louvre alignment, leading to a restless atmosphere and inadequate stress relief.
Innovation Solution
The shutter assembly employs flat plates with complementary apertures for unobstructed light and vision control, featuring a sliding plate assembly with indexing means for precise alignment and magnetic engagement, and a perimeter frame construction using extrusions for ease of assembly and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional shutter panels are made from wood or plastic, then traditional aesthetic appearance is achieved, but durability under sunlight exposure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum extrusions as the primary structural material, combining the aesthetic qualities traditionally associated with wood or plastic with the superior durability and sunlight resistance of metal. The aluminum frames can be finished to resemble traditional materials while providing enhanced reliability under environmental exposure.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional shutter panels use inclined vanes or slats, then light and vision control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter panel is divided into distinct functional segments: aluminum extrusion frames providing structural support, and separate aperture inserts containing the light-control patterns. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining light control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plates with patterned apertures (openings) instead of traditional inclined slats. These porous or perforated plates provide light and vision control through their aperture patterns while being simpler to manufacture from flat materials compared to forming and assembling three-dimensional slat structures.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional shutter panels use adjustable louvres, then light control functionality is achieved, but assembly precision and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is segmented into multiple standardized panels, each with factory-prepared aperture patterns. This segmentation with standardized components eliminates the need for field adjustment and alignment of individual louvres, as each panel is manufactured to precise specifications and assembled in a modular fashion.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture patterns are pre-formed during the manufacturing process rather than requiring adjustment during installation. The plates with openings are produced with precise aperture patterns already in place, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing alignment and ensuring consistent precision across all panels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shutter panels are manually assembled, then customization is achieved, but assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled on-site. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining the ability to customize the overall shutter configuration to fit different window openings and design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum extrusion frames and aperture inserts are designed as universal components that can be used across different panel configurations. This universality allows standardized parts to be assembled in various arrangements to create customized shutters, reducing both manufacturing time and assembly time while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution reduces assembly complexity and cost, enhances light and vision control, improves security, and provides a durable, stress-relieving solution for architectural openings while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic means engaged to the outer surface of each free end of each adjacent first panel to engage one another when the shutter assembly is in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A shutter assembly (1) for architectural openings (3), includes a first rectangular panel (5) hinged to a perimeter (9) of the architectural opening (3), and a second panel (7) hinged to the first panel (5). Each of the first and second panels (5, 7) comprises spaced parallel first and second vertical frame columns (17A, 17B, 19), and spaced parallel top and bottom horizontal frame beams (21, 23) connecting upper longitudinal ends and lower longitudinal ends of the first and second vertical columns (17A, 17B, 9) defining a rectangular perimeter frame. First and second rectangular plates (27A, 27B) are arranged within the rectangular frame in relative sliding arrangement. The first and second plates (27A, 27B) each have a pattern of apertures (29, 29A) complementary to one another, to provide an open position, in which the apertures (29, 29A) of each plate (27A, 27B) are in register with one another, and a closed position, in which areas without apertures of one of the first and second plates (27A, 27B) are in register with apertures (29, 29A) in another of the first and second plates (27A, 27B). Indexing means (41, 45, 47) are operatively interposed between the first and second plates (27A, 27B). The indexing means (41, 45, 47) are arranged to provide identical positions of adjustment of the first and second plates (27A, 27B) between the open and closed positions in each of a plurality of shutter panels (5, 7, 5A, 7A).