Rolling Shutter Support Frame Torsion Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rolling shutters face challenges in withstanding hurricane pressures due to concentrated torsion loads on side tracks and supporting structures, which can lead to structural failures, especially in existing buildings without adequate framing to handle the loading.
Innovation Solution
A support frame is mounted to the structure surrounding the opening, engaging the top and bottom walls and side walls, with side tracks secured to the support frame, distributing torsion loads and reducing the burden on the side walls, allowing the shutter assembly to withstand more severe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side tracks are secured directly to side walls of the opening, then the shutter assembly can be mounted to cover the opening, but the side walls are subjected to concentrated torsion loads that can lead to structural failures
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: a support frame with top and bottom rails, side rails mounted to side walls, and intermediate support members. This segmentation distributes the torsion loads from the side tracks across multiple structural elements rather than concentrating them on the side walls, thereby maintaining structural integrity while reducing localized stress.
Solution Approach 2:
A support frame acts as an intermediary structure between the side tracks and the building walls. The side tracks are secured to the support frame rather than directly to the side walls, and the support frame transfers loads to the top and bottom walls through its rails. This intermediary structure protects the side walls from direct torsion loading while maintaining the shutter assembly's functionality.
2Productivity
If existing building framing is used without reinforcement, then installation is simpler and faster, but the framing cannot handle the loading from hurricane pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with adjustable and removable components that allow it to adapt to various existing building framings without requiring reinforcement. The side rails can be mounted at different positions and the entire assembly can be configured to work with different wall structures, enabling quick installation on existing buildings while still providing the necessary structural support for hurricane pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame system allows for parameter changes in terms of mounting positions, rail lengths, and connection methods to accommodate different existing building framings. By adjusting these parameters, the system can be installed on various building types without requiring structural reinforcement, while still maintaining the strength needed to withstand hurricane loads through proper load distribution.
3Force
If a rigid support structure is used to withstand hurricane pressures, then the shutter assembly can resist higher forces, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular segments including a support frame, side rails, and intermediate support members that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the complex force-resisting structure to be assembled in manageable sections rather than requiring a single complex rigid structure, thereby maintaining high force resistance while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure for the side tracks, distributes torsion loads to the building's top and bottom walls, and adapts to various existing building framings. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated support frame, the design achieves high force resistance without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement in a rolling shutter assembly for covering an opening of a structure defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and oppositely disposed side walls. The rolling shutter assembly includes a shutter housing, a shutter support member rotatably disposed within the shutter housing, a shutter coupled to the shutter support member, the shutter comprising a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats, and a pair of side tracks. The shutter rolls between a rolled position wherein the shutter is rolled onto the shutter support member and an unrolled position wherein the shutter covers the opening and the ends of the slats are disposed within the channels of the corresponding side tracks. The improvement comprises a support frame having top, bottom and side rails mounted to the walls defining the opening with the side tracks each mounted to a corresponding one of the side rails of the support frame. The support frame reduces or eliminates the transmission of torsion loads from the shutter to the framing elements of the walls during positive and negative pressure conditions.