Sliding Shutter Guide Rails with Multi-Position Form-Locking Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide systems for sliding shutters in buildings fail to maintain stable connections between support brackets and rails during strong winds, leading to excessive movement and potential damage due to high and variable forces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing form-locking connections using insert elements with connecting bores that can be positioned in multiple orientations to securely attach rails to support brackets, ensuring stability even with facade deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clamp connections are used to attach rails to support brackets, then ease of installation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates under high wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static clamp connection to a dynamic form-locking connection where the insert element can be positioned in multiple orientations. This allows the connection to adapt to facade deviations while maintaining stability under wind loads through positive mechanical interlocking rather than relying solely on friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes the locking parameter from friction-based (clamp connection) to form-based (form-locking connection). The insert element with connecting bore provides discrete positioning options that change the geometric parameters of the connection, enabling stable attachment under high forces while accommodating facade variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support brackets are mounted to accommodate facade deviations, then adaptability to facade variations is improved, but connection stability under wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket connection system is segmented into multiple discrete positioning options through the insert element with connecting bore. This segmentation allows selection of the optimal connection position for each specific facade condition while maintaining strong form-locking connections, rather than compromising connection strength to achieve adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element acts as an intermediary between the support bracket and the rail. It provides the connecting bore that enables form-locking connections while accommodating facade deviations, mediating between the need for adaptability and the requirement for strong connections under wind loads.
3Reliability
If form-locking connections are implemented, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element with connecting bore is nested within the support bracket structure. This nesting integrates the form-locking mechanism into the existing support bracket design, achieving enhanced connection stability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The insert element is a compact component that fits within the bracket's footprint.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The inventive guide device (2) for a sliding shutter (1) comprises at least one rail (3) and at least two support brackets (4). The support brackets (4) each comprise a first leg (5), which can be mounted with a connecting surface (5a) on a connecting plane of a facade, and a second leg (6) which can be connected to the at least one rail (3). The rail (3) mounted on the facade is designed to receive guide elements (7) of the sliding shutter (1) in a guided manner. An insertion opening (8) is formed on the second leg (6), into which an insertion element (9) with a connecting bore (10) can be positively inserted in at least two different positions. A rail (3) mounted on a facade or wall with support brackets (4) and insertion elements (9) inserted into their insertion openings (8) remains unchanged in the installed position even in strong winds.