Switchable Support Unit for Drive Assembly Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and maintenance of shaft assemblies for closure and protection devices, such as roller shutters and awnings, are costly and challenging due to limited access and space constraints, particularly when the drive unit is integrated and arranged coaxially, making it difficult to reach and repair components without disengaging the anti-rotation device, which often requires significant force and can result in damage.
Innovation Solution
A support unit that can be switched between two states via a relative movement, allowing for manual unwinding or winding of the shaft assembly by rotating the drive unit relative to the holding piece, and providing a torque support in the second state to enable normal operation, while the first state facilitates manual access and maintenance by bypassing the torque support, all without the need for tools or additional security elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drive unit is integrated into the shaft assembly and arranged coaxially, then the assembly space is reduced and the drive unit is less visible, but the access for maintenance and repair becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is designed to be switchable between two states: a first state where the connecting piece can rotate relative to the holding piece (enabling manual unwinding and maintenance access), and a second state where the connecting piece is secured against rotation (enabling normal operation with torque support). This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt between maintenance mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between compact integration and maintenance accessibility.
2Reliability
If the anti-rotation device is engaged to provide torque support, then the drive unit can operate normally, but significant force is required to disengage it which can result in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit enables dynamic switching between engaged and disengaged states through relative movement between the connecting piece and holding piece. In the first state, the connecting piece can rotate freely, automatically disengaging the anti-rotation device without requiring excessive force. In the second state, the connecting piece is secured to provide torque support. This eliminates the need to apply significant force to disengage the anti-rotation device, preventing damage while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive unit and the shaft assembly. It provides a controlled transition state that mediates between the engaged anti-rotation device and the free-rotating maintenance mode, allowing smooth switching without sudden force applications that could cause damage.
3Volume of moving object
If the drive unit is compactly integrated, then the installation space is minimized, but the assembly and maintenance costs increase due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable support unit enables a compact integrated design while maintaining ease of assembly and maintenance. The mechanism allows the drive unit to be tightly integrated into the shaft assembly (minimizing installation space) while providing a simple switching mechanism that enables easy access for maintenance without requiring complex disassembly procedures, thereby controlling assembly costs.
4Reliability
If the connecting piece is secured against rotation, then the drive unit operates with proper torque support, but manual unwinding and maintenance access are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit provides dynamic control over the rotational connection between the drive unit and shaft assembly. In the second state, the connecting piece is secured against rotation to provide torque support for normal operation. In the first state, the connecting piece can rotate freely to enable manual unwinding and maintenance access. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate in either mode as needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a support unit (280) for the rotationally fixed mounting of a drive unit (40, 90) for a locking or protective device, comprising a retaining piece (200, 300) having a receiving profile (210, 310), and a connecting piece (260) adapted to the receiving profile (210, 310) which is connectable to a drive unit (40, 90), wherein the retaining piece (200, 300) provides a first receiving position and a second receiving position for the connecting piece (260), wherein the connecting piece (260) is rotatable relative to the retaining piece (200, 300) in the first receiving position, wherein the connecting piece (260) is secured against rotation relative to the retaining piece (200, 300) in the second receiving position, and wherein the connecting piece (260) is subjected to force to overcome a holding force between the first receiving position and the second receiving position is movable.The disclosure further relates to a locking or protective device (10) and a method for tool-free deactivation of an anti-rotation device for a drive unit (40, 90) of a locking or protective device (10).