Sliding Intermediate Frames for Variable Area Covering
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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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Ease of operation
If cover elements are fixed in intermediate frames, then assembly is simple, but the covering device cannot uncover specific zones completely
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Data Source
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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.