Roll-Up Shutter Slat Sag Prevention via Interlinking Support Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long roll-up shutter slats experience excessive sagging at the midpoint when tilted, leading to operational difficulties, security vulnerabilities, and aesthetic issues, with existing solutions either increasing costs or requiring architectural compromises.
Innovation Solution
A slat support unit with a vertical interlinking portion and multiple hinges that form a chain of support units, preventing sagging by connecting to upper and lower slats, allowing for adjustable and secure positioning without mid-length sag, and optionally being colored to match or contrast with the slats for design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If long slats are used in roll-up shutters, then the shutter can cover larger windows and doors without architectural breaks, but excessive gravitational sag appears at the midpoint especially when tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is segmented by introducing intermediate support units at mid-point positions along the slats. These support units divide the long slat into effective segments, providing structural reinforcement without requiring architectural breaks. The support units are positioned at strategic locations to prevent sagging while maintaining the visual continuity of long slats.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional element by introducing intermediate support units that extend perpendicular to the plane of the slat. This third-dimensional support structure provides additional structural integrity to long slats, enabling them to span greater distances without sagging while maintaining their aesthetic appearance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two independent co-planar shutters are installed to prevent sag, then sagging is reduced, but cost increases and architectural compromises are required
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support units are integrated into the existing shutter structure, merging the support function with the slat assembly. Rather than installing separate shutter systems, the support units are incorporated as part of the single shutter mechanism, reducing complexity and cost while achieving the desired sag resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support units serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to prevent sagging, maintain the aesthetic appearance of long slats, and enable the shutter to operate effectively at various angles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural solutions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If slat length is limited to prevent sag, then sagging is reduced, but the ability to cover large windows and doors without breaks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Intermediate support units are introduced as mediator elements between the slat and the mounting structure. These support units transfer and distribute the gravitational load, enabling slats to span larger areas without excessive sagging. The intermediaries allow the system to achieve both large coverage area and adequate sag resistance.
4Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate support units are added to prevent sag, then sag resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support units are designed to nest within or attach to the existing slat structure, minimizing additional complexity. The support units are integrated into the slat assembly in a space-efficient manner, providing structural reinforcement without significantly increasing the overall component count or system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to roll-up shutters, roll-up shutters with tiltable slats. The invention provides a support unit (10) which is inserted in the shutter, usually at the mid-length position of long slats (20), to provide support so as to prevent undesired sagging thereof. The support unit comprising a substantially vertical interlinking portion (14) carrying a part of a first hinge at a first extremity configured for pivotal attachment to an adjacent upper vertical interlinking portion (14), and also being pivotally connectable by means of a second spaced-apart coplanar hinge section at a second extremity and arranged for pivotal connection to an adjacent lower vertical interlinking portion (14) and also being pivotally connectable at the second extremity to a slat connecting section (24).