Swivel Sealing Mechanism for Roller Shutter Lintel Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for roller shutters, such as lips or brushes, fail to adequately seal the gap between the lintel and the top shutter element, leading to incomplete closure, deformation, scratches, and increased noise, while complex constructions and additional installations are required, and separate sealing devices at the lintel can cause undesirable wear.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mechanism with a flexible sealing profile is integrated into the upper end of the top shutter element, featuring a hinge with a swivel axis parallel to the coiling device's rotation axis, allowing the sealing means to automatically shift into a sealing position under gravity, reducing installation complexity and avoiding contact with shutter elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lip or brush is fixed on the top shutter element, then the sealing function is provided, but the maximum length of the lip or brush is limited and it may deform or scratch shutter elements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is made dynamically adjustable through a swivel mechanism that allows the sealing flap to change its position and orientation. The flap can swivel between a sealing position (extending toward the lintel) and a retracted position (aligned with the shutter element), enabling it to adapt to different operational states and avoid deformation or scratching issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is divided into separate functional components: a sealing flap for contact with the lintel, a swivel mechanism for position adjustment, and a mounting connection to the shutter element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates the dynamic reconfiguration needed to overcome length limitations.
2Reliability
If a swivelling flap is fixed at the lintel, then the sealing function is improved, but the construction complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the swiveling mechanism at the lintel (as in prior art), the invention inverts the approach by mounting the swivel mechanism directly to the movable shutter element and allowing the sealing surface to swivel into position. This inversion simplifies the overall construction by eliminating the need for separate lintel-mounted mechanisms and reduces installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and the movement control are merged into a single integrated device mounted on the shutter element. The swivel mechanism simultaneously controls both the positioning of the sealing flap and its engagement with the lintel, eliminating the need for separate sealing and actuation systems.
3Reliability
If a brush and/or rubber profile is fixed at the lintel, then the sealing function is provided, but all shutter elements run along the sealing device causing undesirable scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device dynamically changes its position relative to the shutter elements. During the sealing phase, the flap extends toward the lintel to seal the gap. During operation, when shutter elements pass by, the flap swivels to a retracted position that is aligned with the shutter element surface, preventing contact and avoiding scratches.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealing function and the shutter elements. It mediates the interaction by controlling when and how the sealing flap engages with the lintel, ensuring that shutter elements do not contact the sealing surface during normal operation, thus preventing scratches while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective, noise-free sealing without scratching the shutter elements, reduces wear, and allows for a cost-effective, space-efficient retrofitting of existing roller shutters, ensuring reliable long-term operation without additional noise or mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the sealing means to automatically shift into a sealing position under gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing device (11, 35, 41) for sealing a gap (32) between a lintel (30) and a roller shutter (10, 34, 40). The sealing device (11, 35, 41) has a sealing means (23) for arranging at the upper end of a top shutter element (24) of the roller shutter (10, 34, 40). For covering a gap (32) in a functional and/or cost-effective way between a lintel (30) and a roller shutter (10, 34, 40), preferably in case of a completely unrolled door blade (12), the sealing device (11, 35, 41) is characterized in that a swivel mechanism (25, 37, 43) is provided for swivelling the sealing means (23) from a sealing position into a winding position and from a winding position into a sealing position.