Single Wall Shutter Slats Interlocking for Storm Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight, easy-to-install rolling shutter assembly with single wall shutter slats that can be quickly deployed in strong winds, such as during storms or hurricanes, while also providing protection for premises and allowing visibility for authorities.
Innovation Solution
A rolling shutter assembly using single wall shutter slats with a top hook and bottom receptacle design that interlock pivotally, allowing for easy installation and deployment, featuring a drive mechanism with a rotating axle and end retention devices to secure the slats, which can be perforated for visibility and made from materials like aluminum or steel for strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If single wall shutter slats are used instead of traditional multi-wall slats, then the weight and material usage are reduced, but the strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is divided into multiple individual slats that interlock with each other through pivotable connections. Each slat is a separate single-wall component with top hooks and bottom receptacles, allowing the system to achieve overall strength through the collective interlocking of multiple segments rather than relying on thick individual walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction by combining single-wall slats with interlocking hardware elements (top hooks, bottom receptacles, pivotable connections). This composite approach creates a structurally sound assembly from lighter individual components, achieving the strength of traditional multi-wall slats through the combined system rather than material thickness alone.
2Productivity
If traditional rolling shutter systems are used, then strength and stability are maintained, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is segmented into standardized modular slats that can be independently manufactured and easily assembled. Each slat is a discrete unit with consistent interlocking features, enabling rapid installation by simply connecting slats in sequence without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed with pivotable connections that allow for dynamic assembly and adjustment during installation. The pivotable top hooks and bottom receptacles enable the slats to be connected and adjusted to the correct alignment before final securing, simplifying the installation process compared to rigid fixed-connection systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If solid single wall slats are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but visibility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slats feature localized perforations or openings in specific areas rather than being completely solid or completely open. This allows the majority of the slat structure to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while specific local regions are modified to provide visibility. The interlocking hardware areas remain solid for structural integrity, while other areas can be perforated as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling shutter assembly for covering an opening of a facility. A rolling shutter housing is mounted to the facility and connects with first and second shutter rails. A rolling shutter cover forms part of the rolling shutter housing and contains a rotating axle with a drive mechanism or gear assembly engaging the rotating axle positioned between side caps that close the sides of the rolling shutter cover. A plurality of single wall shutter slats are contained in a rolled up configuration within the rolling shutter housing and deployable to form a protective curtain, with a first single wall shutter slat connected to the rotating axle and additional single wall shutter slats connected in series to the first shutter slat.