Sliding Intermediate Frames for Variable Area Covering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exterior surface covering devices, such as external blinds and adjustable shutters, cannot adjust the length or width of the protective surface, limiting their ability to fully uncover specific zones or adapt to varying climatic conditions, and their manufacturing costs are high due to complex assembly requirements.

Innovation Solution

A covering device with sliding intermediate frames and cover elements that can adjust in length and width, allowing for variable coverage by sliding relative to each other, enabling complete uncovering of zones and reducing production costs through simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external blinds with fixed cover elements are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the protective surface area cannot be adjusted in length or width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of protective surface areaVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The covering device is divided into multiple intermediate frames (at least two) that can slide independently relative to each other along the support frame. Each intermediate frame carries cover elements that can slide within that frame. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different sections, enabling flexible modification of the protective surface area in both length and width without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing intermediate frames to slide along the support frame in longitudinal and/or transverse directions, and by allowing cover elements to slide within intermediate frames. This creates a multi-level sliding mechanism where both the position of intermediate frames and the position of cover elements within them can be varied, enabling continuous adjustment of the protective surface area to adapt to different climatic conditions and spatial requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If cover elements are fixed in intermediate frames, then assembly is simple, but the covering device cannot uncover specific zones completely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to uncover specific zonesVSAvoidsliding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The covering system is segmented into multiple intermediate frames that can be independently positioned along the support frame. Each intermediate frame can be slid to different positions, and cover elements within each frame can also slide independently. This segmentation allows specific zones to be uncovered by simply sliding the relevant intermediate frame or cover element to an open position, without affecting other sections, thereby achieving zone-specific control with relatively simple individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control at two levels: intermediate frames can slide along the support frame, and cover elements can slide within intermediate frames. This creates a multi-degree-of-freedom system where selective zones can be uncovered by actuating only the necessary sliding components, providing precise control over which areas are covered or uncovered without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable shutters with multiple slats are used, then protection can be adapted to sunshine conditions, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to climatic conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the covering system into multiple intermediate frames, each carrying one or more cover elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes compared to complex adjustable shutters with multiple slats per unit. The modular nature enables standardized production of intermediate frames and cover elements, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while still providing adaptability through the ability to slide components to different positions for sun protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex adjustable shutters with multiple slats that can rotate and adjust individually, the patent achieves climatic adaptation through simpler sliding mechanisms. Cover elements and intermediate frames can be slid to different positions to control the extent of coverage, providing adaptability to sunshine and rain conditions without requiring the complex multi-slat adjustment mechanisms found in traditional adjustable shutters, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2817463B1Covering device having sliding cover elements
Publication Date: 2015.12.09 CASTEL JEAN LOUIS
  • EP2817463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2817463B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2817463B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is a covering device (10) forming a protective surface (12) of variable length (L12) and/or width (W12), said covering device (10) comprising: a support frame (14) of predefined length (L14) and width (W14), at least two intermediate frames (l1, I2 etc.) supported by the support frame (14), each intermediate frame (I1, I2 etc.) supporting at least two cover elements (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6 etc.) mounted so as to be able to slide one under the other, the covering device (10) being characterised in that the intermediate frames (I1, I2 etc.) are mounted on the support frame (14) so as to be able to slide one under the other equally in one or the other of two opposing sliding directions ((C1, C2)(C3, C4)) taken in the length (L14) or width (W14) of the support frame.