Shutter Slat Connection Device Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for screening systems, used in building constructions, face issues with stress concentration and wear due to the transmission of forces during folding and unfolding maneuvers, which can lead to breakage, especially under the effects of dirt and bad weather, and complicate manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a clip with upper and lower branches, where the upstream and downstream end pieces have specific receiving means and retaining mechanisms, allowing for stress distribution and preventing accidental separation, facilitating axial assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a connecting pin or shaft is used to transmit forces during folding and unfolding, then the slats can be connected articurally, but the pin is subjected to significant stresses that cause fatigue, wear, or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate functional components: a first connection device for articulation and a second connection device for force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the first device handling rotational movement and the second device handling tensile and compressive forces, thereby reducing stress concentration and fatigue on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible link acts as an intermediary element between the two connection devices. This flexible link transmits forces from the downstream slat to the first connection device without requiring the articulation pin to bear tensile or compressive loads, thus protecting the articulation mechanism from excessive stresses that would cause fatigue and breakage.
2Strength
If a screed is used to prevent axial mounting, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented into two separate devices: one for articulation and one for force transmission. This eliminates the need for a complex screed structure that would simultaneously provide both articulation and force resistance, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection strength through the dedicated second connection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission function is extracted from the articulation mechanism and assigned to a separate second connection device. This allows the first connection device to be simpler and easier to manufacture, while the second device is specifically designed for force transmission, overall maintaining strength without the manufacturing complexity of an integrated solution.
3Ease of operation
If forces are transmitted solely through the connecting pin during folding and unfolding, then articulation is enabled, but the pin is subjected to significant stresses that can fatigue or break it
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented so that tensile and compressive forces during folding and unfolding are transmitted through the flexible link and second connection device rather than solely through the articulation pin. This protects the pin from excessive stresses while maintaining the folding and unfolding capability through the first connection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible link serves as an intermediary that carries the tensile and compressive forces during maneuvering, preventing these forces from being transmitted directly to the articulation pin. This mediator protects the pin from fatigue and breakage while allowing the slats to fold and unfold freely through the first connection device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (4) for an upstream slat (2) and a downstream slat (3) of a curtain (1) of a shading system for a building. This device (4) comprises: - an upstream end piece (5) for cooperating with the upstream slat (2); - a downstream end piece (6) for cooperating with the downstream slat (3); - connecting means (7) for connecting the upstream end piece (5) and the downstream end piece (6).This connection device (4) is characterized in that: - the connection means (7) comprise a clip (70), adopting the form of a rider, and comprising at least one upper arm (71) and one lower arm (72); - the upstream end (5) comprises a first upstream receiving means (50) for receiving the upper arm (71) of the clip (70) as well as a second upstream receiving means (51) for receiving a part (720) of the lower arm (72) of the clip (70); - the downstream end (6) comprises a downstream receiving means (60) for receiving another part (721) of the lower arm (72) of the clip (70).